An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer. The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan". All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.
After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.
As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little. The second test average was a D! No one was happy.
When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F. The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.
All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.
Couldn't be any simpler than that.
4.23.2010
4.21.2010
My dad is currently in Syria on a mission trip. Here is his latest email:
We met a Kurdish lady, Zena, at the church. John (Pastor Samara's son) had been to northern Syria earlier in the week to visit the Kurds. He met her then and she came to Damascus surprising John. Zena told us she had breast cancer. Her brother, who had been kicked out of the family because he had become a Christian, came to visit her because she was not expected to recover. He told her about how Jesus gave him hope for the future. She accepted Jesus as the way to heaven. A month later when she went in for her test, her cancer was clear. Her friend who was treating her for the cancer asked what medicine she was taking? She told her she was healed by Jesus. Now Zena's entire family (the ones who had kicked her brother out) have accepted Jesus.
Today we visited in Iraqi homes in the suburb of Giovanni. The first home was one room with blankets on the floor to sit on. A family of five lives here. The father was out looking for work. The mother received us. We noticed no one was wearing shoes, so we left ours at the door. The three children are just like mine. The oldest, Joseph, was very compliant behaving just as his mother asked him. The second boy, Daniel, was very expressive - smiling ang giggling using hand motions to communicate with his older brother. The youngest, David, was just happy. They are hoping to move to Canada where she has a sister living. She sends her three boys to the Iraqi school at the church. When asked why they left Iraq she replied "Because of the bombs".
The second home we visited was much nicer. This home had furniture. Living here was a mother with two boys. Her husband had been killed in Iraq by a bomb in the market. She could afford the nicer apartment than the first home we visited because th UN gives her money since she had no husband. She also is wanting to move to Canada.
We met a Kurdish lady, Zena, at the church. John (Pastor Samara's son) had been to northern Syria earlier in the week to visit the Kurds. He met her then and she came to Damascus surprising John. Zena told us she had breast cancer. Her brother, who had been kicked out of the family because he had become a Christian, came to visit her because she was not expected to recover. He told her about how Jesus gave him hope for the future. She accepted Jesus as the way to heaven. A month later when she went in for her test, her cancer was clear. Her friend who was treating her for the cancer asked what medicine she was taking? She told her she was healed by Jesus. Now Zena's entire family (the ones who had kicked her brother out) have accepted Jesus.
Today we visited in Iraqi homes in the suburb of Giovanni. The first home was one room with blankets on the floor to sit on. A family of five lives here. The father was out looking for work. The mother received us. We noticed no one was wearing shoes, so we left ours at the door. The three children are just like mine. The oldest, Joseph, was very compliant behaving just as his mother asked him. The second boy, Daniel, was very expressive - smiling ang giggling using hand motions to communicate with his older brother. The youngest, David, was just happy. They are hoping to move to Canada where she has a sister living. She sends her three boys to the Iraqi school at the church. When asked why they left Iraq she replied "Because of the bombs".
The second home we visited was much nicer. This home had furniture. Living here was a mother with two boys. Her husband had been killed in Iraq by a bomb in the market. She could afford the nicer apartment than the first home we visited because th UN gives her money since she had no husband. She also is wanting to move to Canada.
4.07.2010
3.30.2010
Closing Day
It's not til tomorrow, but tomorrow is going to be a whirlwind, so I am posting about it today. Assuming all goes as planned I should be a homeowner in just over 24 hours. Even though I probably won't move until may, I have already set up the electricity & water so I can start working in and around the house. I went ahead and filled out my change of address form online. Now I'm just waiting for them to tell me when to be there and how much to bring =)
Right after work tomorrow I'll be dropping Sadie off at the vet and driving down to Houston with Jenny to catch a sunrise flight to NYC on Thursday. I will definitely post pictures soon after!
P.S. Check out my photos link on the right to see pictures from our trip to Corpus a couple weeks ago.
Right after work tomorrow I'll be dropping Sadie off at the vet and driving down to Houston with Jenny to catch a sunrise flight to NYC on Thursday. I will definitely post pictures soon after!
P.S. Check out my photos link on the right to see pictures from our trip to Corpus a couple weeks ago.
3.24.2010
Sanctified
I am...
chosen by God. (Deuteronomy 7:6)
redeemed by His blood. (Romans 5:19)
like God, righteous and holy. (Ephesians 4:24)
sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
blameless and holy. (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
without fault. (Jude 24)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
chosen by God. (Deuteronomy 7:6)
redeemed by His blood. (Romans 5:19)
like God, righteous and holy. (Ephesians 4:24)
sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
blameless and holy. (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
without fault. (Jude 24)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
3.23.2010
Today is a good day...
Today is a good day because...
I got coffee and a muffin at Starbucks this morning for only $2.50.
I was able to get out of the office during lunch and experience a perfect spring day.
I received perfectly crisp, fresh & hot fried okra at Bush's.
I got locked out during lunch and my sister was close by and semi-available to let me back in so I could make it back to work on time.
I was also lucky enough to have my windows cracked just enough on my car to reach in and unlock it to get my phone and call for help.
I managed not to get stung by the wasp that was trapped in my car.
I made someone's day by getting them a discount on a hearing aid.
I received my REI divident for $99.42!
And, I get to have chicken spaghetti for dinner!
I got coffee and a muffin at Starbucks this morning for only $2.50.
I was able to get out of the office during lunch and experience a perfect spring day.
I received perfectly crisp, fresh & hot fried okra at Bush's.
I got locked out during lunch and my sister was close by and semi-available to let me back in so I could make it back to work on time.
I was also lucky enough to have my windows cracked just enough on my car to reach in and unlock it to get my phone and call for help.
I managed not to get stung by the wasp that was trapped in my car.
I made someone's day by getting them a discount on a hearing aid.
I received my REI divident for $99.42!
And, I get to have chicken spaghetti for dinner!
3.18.2010
3.14.2010
3.10.2010
In Case You Were Wondering.....
21 Tips For Removing Crayon Marks From Walls
Toothpaste (regular paste–not gel). This one’s my first pick always (good old regular Crest), it also helps clean up permanent marker stains pretty easily.
Artgum Eraser – gently rub on marks in a circular motion, can also try a regular pencil eraser. Done carefully, this might be an option for wallpaper stains.
Baking Soda – make a paste with water and use it to gently scrub the mark. You could also just sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and rub.
Baby Oil – apply directly to crayon stains then rub off.
Mayonnaise – Glob some on the stain and scrub a bit in a circular motion, then wipe off.
Shaving Cream – apply to markings, rub in, then wipe off.
WD-40 – spray some on the marks and rub off. Wash walls with hot soapy water once the crayon has been removed.
Turpentine – dab some on a damp cloth and scrub into stain to remove crayon.
Lighter Fluid – apply as you would turpentine
Goo Gone – Same directions as for turpentine
Ammonia – soak a section of cloth in household ammonia and scrub markings. You may also luck out with an ammonia based cleaner like Windex and a hot soapy cloth.
Vinegar – soak a toothbrush in white vinegar and scrub marks off.
Heat – Take a hair dryer to the crayon stain and allow it to heat the wax. Wipe heated crayon wax off with a hot, soapy cloth. You could try a clothes iron as well (no steam), just make sure it’s on a low heat setting so it won’t scorch the paint. Place a few paper towels between the wall and the iron.
Hand Lotion – rub directly into crayon and wipe off.
Powdered Dishwasher Detergent – make a paste with water and gently scrub area. Some detergents contain bleach so be careful on wallpaper.
Powdered Household Cleaners – such as Ajax or Comet. Mix with some water or sprinkle on a damp sponge then scrub gently.
Non-stick Cooking Spray – just spray it on then wipe off the marks. Not the best solution for wallpaper since this could leave a grease stain.
Hairspray – spray generously on walls then scrub off the crayon.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – go gently, you don’t want to rub off any paint.
Rubbing Alcohol – Saturate part of a clean cloth then rub stains.
Moist Baby Wipe Towelettes – Rub them directly on the crayon stains and scrub markings off. The homemade baby wipes should work too!
Toothpaste (regular paste–not gel). This one’s my first pick always (good old regular Crest), it also helps clean up permanent marker stains pretty easily.
Artgum Eraser – gently rub on marks in a circular motion, can also try a regular pencil eraser. Done carefully, this might be an option for wallpaper stains.
Baking Soda – make a paste with water and use it to gently scrub the mark. You could also just sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and rub.
Baby Oil – apply directly to crayon stains then rub off.
Mayonnaise – Glob some on the stain and scrub a bit in a circular motion, then wipe off.
Shaving Cream – apply to markings, rub in, then wipe off.
WD-40 – spray some on the marks and rub off. Wash walls with hot soapy water once the crayon has been removed.
Turpentine – dab some on a damp cloth and scrub into stain to remove crayon.
Lighter Fluid – apply as you would turpentine
Goo Gone – Same directions as for turpentine
Ammonia – soak a section of cloth in household ammonia and scrub markings. You may also luck out with an ammonia based cleaner like Windex and a hot soapy cloth.
Vinegar – soak a toothbrush in white vinegar and scrub marks off.
Heat – Take a hair dryer to the crayon stain and allow it to heat the wax. Wipe heated crayon wax off with a hot, soapy cloth. You could try a clothes iron as well (no steam), just make sure it’s on a low heat setting so it won’t scorch the paint. Place a few paper towels between the wall and the iron.
Hand Lotion – rub directly into crayon and wipe off.
Powdered Dishwasher Detergent – make a paste with water and gently scrub area. Some detergents contain bleach so be careful on wallpaper.
Powdered Household Cleaners – such as Ajax or Comet. Mix with some water or sprinkle on a damp sponge then scrub gently.
Non-stick Cooking Spray – just spray it on then wipe off the marks. Not the best solution for wallpaper since this could leave a grease stain.
Hairspray – spray generously on walls then scrub off the crayon.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – go gently, you don’t want to rub off any paint.
Rubbing Alcohol – Saturate part of a clean cloth then rub stains.
Moist Baby Wipe Towelettes – Rub them directly on the crayon stains and scrub markings off. The homemade baby wipes should work too!
3.08.2010
Conversations outside my door
At work, we have a sitting area near my door for people waiting to be scheduled for surgery. I hear kids say the darndest things outside my door sometimes. But today, this is the conversation I am hearing. So sweet. Picture a 7 yr old sister reading to her 14 month old brother, one word at a time:
Our.. Father.. Who.. Art.. In.. Heaven...
"Hollowed".. Be.. The, thy.. Name...
Thy.. Kingdom.. Come.. Thy.. Will.. Be.. Done...
"Bubba, are you lllistening?" (in her sassy seven-year-old voice)
On.. Eeaarrth.. As.. It.. Is.. In.. Heaven...
Give.. Us.. This.. Day.. Our.. Daily.. Bread...
And.. For.. Give.. Us.. Our.. Tres.. Pass.. Es...
"Bubba, take that out of your mouth. Right now. I mean it."
As.. We.. Forgive.. Those.. Who.. Tres.. Pass.. Against.. Us...
Our.. Father.. Who.. Art.. In.. Heaven...
"Hollowed".. Be.. The, thy.. Name...
Thy.. Kingdom.. Come.. Thy.. Will.. Be.. Done...
"Bubba, are you lllistening?" (in her sassy seven-year-old voice)
On.. Eeaarrth.. As.. It.. Is.. In.. Heaven...
Give.. Us.. This.. Day.. Our.. Daily.. Bread...
And.. For.. Give.. Us.. Our.. Tres.. Pass.. Es...
"Bubba, take that out of your mouth. Right now. I mean it."
As.. We.. Forgive.. Those.. Who.. Tres.. Pass.. Against.. Us...
3.01.2010
The tightrope walker.
"But believing in Jesus is not just a matter of the head, it’s a matter of our whole being. It's like the old story of Blondin, the famous French tightrope walker. One day he strung a cable across Niagara Falls, and there's a huge crowd watching. And as they watch, he walks across. And all the way back. Like he was out for a Sunday stroll. The crowd goes wild. He says to them, do you believe THAT I COULD WALK ACROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE WITH THIS WHEELBARROW? And they all cheer and scream and say YEAH! We believe THAT you can walk across there with a wheelbarrow. No problems. They've seen him walk it easily. Shouldn't be too much harder with a wheel barrow. They believe that he could do it. But here's believing IN. Blondin says, okay, you believe I can do it. You've seen me walk across there. WHO'S GOING TO GET IN THE WHEELBARROW? And come with me. And there was a deathly hush. See, it's a different thing altogether, isn't it? You can believe THAT he can do it. You can believe BECAUSE he‘s done it before. But when it comes to BELIEVING IN, there's an element of personal commitment being called for.Finally one man puts up his hand. He gets into the wheelbarrow and Blondin slowly but surely pushes him across the rope to safety. That man was the only one who really believed, because he backed his intellectual belief with a physical trust Jesus says we need to have that sort of belief. Its not good enough to believe that God exists, or that Jesus was a good teacher. Its not enough to believe there is a heaven and that God is gracious and loving. Its about putting your money where your mouth is. And your life and your relationship and your future, and your everything."
2.23.2010
Snow day!
Sadie's snow dandruff!
We are like the mail man, "rain or shine, sleet or snow..."
Paw prints!
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2.13.2010
Me and Mom
Last weekend I went to Houston and got to see my mom's office for the first time. It is on the 30th floor and has quite a view from the terrace.
The building also is very reflective so I took a picture of us while we were out there.
This is our actual reflection in the window! It reminded me of the Chicago bean!
(Chicago 2006)
1.17.2010
Sadie n Me
Today is the 2 year anniversary of when I brought Sadie home! I had been visiting the SPCA with Lori and had my eye on the cutest little black dog. I think she had her eye on me too! When I would come and look at all the dogs, Sadie would stand up on her hind legs and watch me walk around the whole place until I left. Then one day Lori talked me into adopting her. It was January 17, 2008.
Sadie's story really starts with Nick.
Nick was very old and pretty sick when I got him in 2006. He lived with me almost a full year and when we said goodbye I thought I'd never be able to love another dog the same way. Well, I lasted almost 3 months before I ended up with Sadie.
Needless to say, I am completely smitten by her. She is my alarm clock, my faithful companion, my exercise program, and my friend. I still love her ears and her playful personality. Even people who don't like dogs tend to like Sadie. She is very sweet and definitely knows how to put the "puppy eyes" to use for her good. I have really enjoyed having her and today I am celebrating our 2 year anniversary. Haha!
1.02.2010
Christmas in pictures
Sadie helped Dad carve the turkey on Christmas eve.
After a delicious feast with Mary, Jorge, Michael and Stephen, we all headed to Corpus to spend Christmas day with Grandma and Grandpa. Along the way we crossed the Navidad River!
We took G&G out for steak and loaded them down with gifts.
Then we all went to Grandad's house for dessert.
Jenny taught Sadie how to be a therapy dog at the assisted living center. The residents all love petting her when we come.
12.31.2009
The end of a decade
There has been lots of talk this week about the end of the decade, so I started thinking back on it.
When this decade started...
I was in high school.
I had to take my camera to CVS for the pictures to be developed.
Ben Butler was 5 years old!!
I shared a '93 Mitsubishi Eclipse with my dad.
I carried a giant book full of CDs in my car.
And AOL instant messenger was how we talked online.
They are calling this the technology decade, and for good reason. We have worked our way to instant gratification-- through iTunes, amazon, Kindle, GPS, smart phones, digital cameras, facebook, Twitter, and on demand movies... just to name a few.
In this decade... I graduated from high school, college, and grad school. So maybe for me this should be the decade of higher education, and of course technology. I have GPS, digital camera, and music all on my phone. I no longer carry Mapscos, film, or CDs in my car. I don't even know how to log onto AIM anymore, because we have texting, G-chat, and facebook.
I am hoping this coming decade will also carry lots of new and exciting life changes. Who knows where it will take me... so here's to 2010-2019!! (Wow that sounds weird!)
When this decade started...
I was in high school.
I had to take my camera to CVS for the pictures to be developed.
Ben Butler was 5 years old!!
I shared a '93 Mitsubishi Eclipse with my dad.
I carried a giant book full of CDs in my car.
And AOL instant messenger was how we talked online.
They are calling this the technology decade, and for good reason. We have worked our way to instant gratification-- through iTunes, amazon, Kindle, GPS, smart phones, digital cameras, facebook, Twitter, and on demand movies... just to name a few.
In this decade... I graduated from high school, college, and grad school. So maybe for me this should be the decade of higher education, and of course technology. I have GPS, digital camera, and music all on my phone. I no longer carry Mapscos, film, or CDs in my car. I don't even know how to log onto AIM anymore, because we have texting, G-chat, and facebook.
I am hoping this coming decade will also carry lots of new and exciting life changes. Who knows where it will take me... so here's to 2010-2019!! (Wow that sounds weird!)
12.28.2009
Big D
Today I am back at work after a lovely long weekend of Christmas break. It's a good thing I enjoy my job because I am especially envious of those still on break this week. Fortunately for me, I have New Years Day off so I get to head to Dallas on Thursday after work to celebrate the end of 2009 with my fellow Class of 2009 Doctors of Audiology! I will pick up Julia at Love Field and then spend the evening celebrating and reuniting with Greg & Misty, Bodes, Reagan, and Rachel. I can't believe how lucky we are that this worked out! I miss these guys like crazy since we graduated in May. There are some other things I miss about Dallas as well... Potbelly, DSW, Whole Foods chicken salad, dog school, UGM, and my favorite friends, to name a few. Maybe I will get to experience some of these things as well on my visit. For now, I better get back to work. I hope to post a few pictures from Christmas soon. We shall see!
12.20.2009
My favorite Christmas scripture
This is probably not frequently quoted around Christmas time, but I love it because it tells exactly why God chose to send his Son. And after all, that is what Christmas is all about!
I imagine this verse is probably one of the most overlooked in the whole Bible because it follows right after John 3:16, which is undoubtedly the most quoted verse of all.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life..... For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
12.06.2009
Thankful
When I was a student, I frequently said I was most looking forward to Sunday afternoons post-grad school.
Well, here I am at home on a Sunday afternoon, and I have to say I am very grateful that my to do list today includes (1) go to zumba, (2) make zucchini bread, (3) wrap a few gifts, and (4) maybe bathe Sadie instead of (1) start a paper, (2) finish research analysis, and (3) read 100 pages about auditory processing disorders.
Yes, life post-grad school is pretty good.
Well, here I am at home on a Sunday afternoon, and I have to say I am very grateful that my to do list today includes (1) go to zumba, (2) make zucchini bread, (3) wrap a few gifts, and (4) maybe bathe Sadie instead of (1) start a paper, (2) finish research analysis, and (3) read 100 pages about auditory processing disorders.
Yes, life post-grad school is pretty good.
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