tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47633149188849416862024-03-13T15:00:28.477-05:00Lisa's Little Slice of Lifelisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-59775579650448960402012-04-11T16:53:00.000-05:002012-04-11T16:53:04.765-05:00Where In The World Is Lisa?Hey y'all!<br />
<br />
I'm not planning to post any more updates here. I'm blogging over at <a href="http://www.libertyslastshadow.com/">Liberty's Last Shadow</a> now. It's mostly culture and politics, news of the day, that sorta thing. While my purpose is to engage your mind I'll try to keep it fun, I promise! Come check out my new digs!lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-17826294075677132712011-10-05T22:21:00.000-05:002011-10-05T22:23:31.136-05:00Farewell, Steve JobsApple.<br /><br />Mac.<br /><br />iPod. iPhone. iPad. iTunes.<br /><br />Pixar.<br /><br />What other revolutionary innovations has the world been deprived of by your untimely demise?<br /><br />Thank you, Steve Jobs. Well done.<br /><br />I'm playing a round of Angry Birds on my iPhone in your honor.<br /><br />lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-44121290372413130842011-10-03T09:45:00.000-05:002011-10-03T09:45:59.143-05:00Erasing HellSo in the interest of being fair and balanced I read Francis Chan's rebuttal to <em>Love Wins </em>titled <em>Erasing Hell.</em><br />
<br />
While I agree with almost all of Chan's theology regarding hell his book was very, um...scholarly. Now I love a good footnote as much as the next person but it doesn't make for compelling reading. <br />
<br />
<em>I think I see the problem.</em><br />
<br />
Bell's book reads like a grand story. His style is almost conversational. And if I'm being brutally honest, the God he describes is much more lovable. <br />
<br />
Chan's book contains the traditional teaching on hell that I grew up with. Probably a lot of you did too. Hell is a literal place that unbelievers in Christ go when they die and suffer eternal torment as punishment for their unbelief. While I agree with Chan's interpretation of Scripture, I have to admit that to an average person who maybe didn't grow up with this traditional view, his God could come across as harsh and almost vindictive.<br />
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And so the question remains...how to explain to a lost world that a loving God can condemn people to eternal punishment. I'm not suggesting that we have to apologize for God or sugar-coat the Gospel. But I'm not sure that focusing on avoidance of hell is the best way to persuade unbelievers that Jesus is for them. And I think maybe that was Bell's point. <br />
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There seems to be a lot of "Christians" out there who love condemning people to hell. You should read some of the comments on some of the articles I read about Rob Bell. Many of them are convinced that even though Bell professes Jesus as his Savior and trusts in the redemptive power of the cross Bell is going to bust the gates of hell wide open when he dies because of his differing interpretation of certain Scripture regarding hell. Really? I thought trusting Jesus was enough. You mean we also have to correctly interpret every single Scripture? I mean, have you READ Revelation?! Now there's a daunting study! And who decides which interpretation is correct...the Baptists, the Methodists, the Catholics or, heaven forbid, the Mormons? I'm pretty sure I don't know every thing there is to know about every single Scripture and I've probably gotten some it wrong somewhere along the way. How about you? Is my salvation in jeopardy? Is yours? I choose to believe that Jesus is enough and trust that God will sort out the rest of it in His wisdom and mercy.<br />
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I'll just sum it up this way: Bell's book made me want to immediately start trying to better love God and my neighbor. Chan's book made me want to hide under my bed in fear.lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-55517993271981359362011-09-28T13:00:00.001-05:002011-09-28T13:00:04.648-05:00Love WinsRob Bell, founder and pastor of Mars Hill Church in Grandeville, Michigan, ignited a firestorm of controversy with the release of his book, <em>Love Wins</em>. It seemed that Rob had the audacity to ask some tough questions about heaven and hell that the evangelical community had determined settled. The response was to immediately condemn not only the book but the author as well. "Universalist!" they cried. One noted theologian even seemed to dismiss Rob out of Christianity altogether with his tweet, "Farewell Rob Bell." <br />
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So you know what I did?<br />
<br />
I read the book.<br />
<br />
And then I read it again.<br />
<br />
Because I didn't find anything offensive or shocking about it. <br />
<br />
Sure, there are ideas that I'm uncomfortable with. But I don't think it hurts me to have to rethink those things to be sure why I believe what I believe. And Rob brings up some hard questions that I've often wondered about myself. And I like that he doesn't pretend to know all the answers. I like that he believes Jesus is big enough to handle the tough questions. I love the God he describes--expansive, mysterious, creative and loving. A lot of times I think the God the church presents to the world is too small. Sometimes it feels like the church is telling the world that they have God all figured out. "Ok, here's how it works. Do <em>a </em>and don't do<em> b, c, d,</em> and <em>e </em>and God will do <em>x</em> for you." I don't want a God that humans can put into a formula. And I don't think the world does either. <br />
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So, the bottom line is this: I liked the book. I liked that it made me think. I liked that it made me want to search out the Truth for myself rather than blindly accepting others' interpretations of truth. Most of all I loved that it made me want to know God better.lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-20881675599947785132011-09-26T12:02:00.000-05:002011-09-26T12:02:35.557-05:00Limbo...and not the fun party gameWell.<br />
<br />
It's been a while.<br />
<br />
A lot has happened since my last post on MAY 2nd. I'll give you a quick run-down in list form. 'Cuz that's how I roll.<br />
<br />
<ul><li>We finished up Hayley's first year of homeschooling (9th grade).</li>
<li>Caitlin finished 5th grade.</li>
<li>Wes and I celebrated our 20th anniversary in Jamaica.</li>
<li>There was a dramatic and painful ending of a relationship that was very important to me but I survived.</li>
<li>I turned 41...and survived that too.</li>
<li>Wes got a fabulous new job that he loves.</li>
<li>We decided to sell our house and move.</li>
<li>We moved half our belongings and are currently living out of boxes but do not have a scheduled closing date on the afore-mentioned house sale.</li>
<li>Since we have not moved yet, Hayley has begun another year of homeschooling.</li>
<li>Caitlin started middle school and much to her dismay she has to do <strong>that book report</strong> after all since WE. ARE. STILL. HERE.</li>
<li>I agreed to adopt a cat named Toby from the Humane Society but not until we move. Have I mentioned we are STILL HERE?!</li>
<li>I'm still working part-time until...WE MOVE!</li>
</ul>So you can see that my life is in limbo...UNTIL WE MOVE.lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-53525834477647127072011-05-02T13:00:00.003-05:002011-05-02T13:00:04.024-05:00JusticeOsama Bin Laden is dead.<br />
<br />
It's been almost ten years since 9/11 and justice has finally been served. God bless Navy Seal Team Six. If it exists, which it certainly doesn't. *wink*<br />
<br />
Facebook exploded with posts celebrating Bin Laden's death and Caitlin asked, "Who is Bin Laden and why does the US hate him so much?"<br />
<br />
I forget that she was only one year old when the towers fell. <br />
<br />
Hayley was only five years old at the time but was aware of all the news footage. As her young little mind tried to process all the images of horror that constantly surrounded her, she told me, "Mommy, bad men knocked down those buildings." Yes, baby girl, yes, they did.<br />
<br />
And now their leader has paid for it.<br />
<br />
I am celebrating justice today. However, I am having trouble celebrating the bloodshed even though it was necessary and just.<br />
<br />
I am haunted by the images of the hundreds of people filling the streets in front of the White House and in Times Square last night waving flags and chanting, "USA. USA. USA." Yes, I am so proud of our military. And I give credit where credit is due...Well done, President Obama. He made the hard decision to do the right thing. I also say, "Well done, President Bush" because he promised us that we would have justice and he worked tirelessly for it. However, I am reminded of the words in Ezekiel 18:23: "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?" <br />
<br />
So, today I admire the hard work and sacrifice of so many who worked for so long to see justice done. And I mourn for those who have been lost along the way. And I celebrate that a bad man has met his just reward. But I take no pleasure in it. lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-17581913147755921902011-03-04T20:19:00.000-06:002011-03-04T20:19:14.330-06:00A Post-Season Wrap-UpHayley loves basketball. When we were making the decision to homeschool last spring she was really sad about not being able to play anymore. Actually, that was the ONLY thing she was sad about giving up. She loved her middle school team. But she decided homeschooling was worth it. I was very proud of her mature decision but my heart was broken for her to give up the thing she loved.<br />
<br />
And then Wes got laid off at work. In retrospect, this turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. You think I'm crazy, right? I'll explain.<br />
<br />
I had been looking into homeschool sports options. Unfortunately Arkansas is not one of the "Tim Tebow" states that allow homeschoolers to play sports with their local public schools. Therefore, our only option was to find a homeschool co-op. Unfortunately our town does not have a co-op that offers sports. The nearest one was about a hour away. I also discovered a Christian school that welcomed homeschoolers but it was 45 minutes away. With one child in public school, I knew my schedule wouldn't allow us to commute daily to practices. And so I gave up.<br />
<br />
This is where the unemployment kicked in. It wasn't unexpected. Wes has had a long and lucrative career in medical sales but that is becoming an increasingly difficult field to work in. (Thanks, Obamacare!) And then it dawned on us...Wes now had plenty of time to commute! And that's how Hayley wound up playing basketball for Hot Springs Christian. What we could have seen as a great disaster had just turned into the greatest blessing! Wes was able to spend a couple of hours a day driving with Hayley which gave them lots of time to talk and grow their relationship. He was free to spend his time helping out at practice which he really enjoyed. <br />
<br />
Hayley had the best year EVER. Her coach, Bill Vining, Jr., was fabulous! He's not only a gifted coach but he's a great educator too. And he really cares about not only building great athletes but also great character. And Hayley made some really great friends. We could not have asked for a better season. The school even invites her to go on their field trips every other week. She's been to play paintball, to a shooting range and on a city-wide scavenger hunt. Good times!<br />
<br />
So you wanna see some pictures, right? I should warn you that I have not yet mastered taking sports pictures. These are the best I could do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_ICkAsDb6ys/TXGXvg-uRbI/AAAAAAAABC8/AkOC4slOS2s/s1600/IMG_2522+%2528872x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_ICkAsDb6ys/TXGXvg-uRbI/AAAAAAAABC8/AkOC4slOS2s/s320/IMG_2522+%2528872x1024%2529.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> There's my Lady Panther, #23!<br />
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</div>Oh, look! Who's that ref-ing the game?! Too bad this wasn't a paying gig.<br />
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</div>I should probably tell you their record. I don't actually know. It was a winning season. That's all I need to know. I'm a great sports mom.<br />
<br />
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Strategizing with Coach Vining. The tallest girl is Hayley's good friend Aubree. And that's Aubree's dad, Mr. Foshee, the assistant coach, in the striped shirt. <br />
<br />
I wish I had a pictures of the game that Wes and his brother Brad were the referees and Caitlin ran the scoreboard. It was all Sullivans, all the time!<br />
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We all hated to see the season come to an end. Although our wallet is glad to see the gas expense go. lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-76212689110373046792011-02-11T15:22:00.000-06:002011-02-11T15:22:17.442-06:00Some Thoughts on the Egyptian RevolutionFor eighteen days I've watched the protests in Egypt with a mixture of anticipation and dread. I've studied the modern history of Egypt and its culture in an effort to gain understanding of what was taking place. I've puzzled over bits of information and their meaning. I've pondered it all at great length. I've been hesitant to put into words my perception of these events and the questions that nag at me. I've been hesitant because I'm unsure that I understand what is happening and I don't know what the ramifications are for the future of the Middle East and even the world. I've been hesitant because I'm not sure I can even adeqately express what I feel is the enormity of these events. However, it has occurred to me that I must document this for my children and grandchildren. For after all, the whole purpose of this blog is to record my thoughts and special memories for my girls and to give them insight into who I am. You're just along for the ride!<br />
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These protests turned revolution are being compared to the fall of the Shah in Iran in 1979. That revolution also started as a "democratic" movement but eventually led to tyranny of the worst kind. I have often wondered if people here in America sensed at the time the danger that lay ahead. I was only nine at the time but I rememember that our extended family had gathered for the holidays and we were shooting fireworks. My Uncle Allen had managed to rig several types of fireworks together to produce what we all hoped would be a spectacular blast and he called it the "Ayatollah Khomeini Bang". Of course, I had no idea what that meant at the time but for some reason that has always stuck with me. And so I've found myself wondering what my girls, who are 10 and 14, will remember from this period of their lives. <br />
<br />
Today, February 11, 2011, on the 31st anniversary of the overthrow of the Iranian Shah, the president of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, resigned under pressure from the protests of the Egyptian people. I'm watching on Fox News as the people of Egypt are flooding the streets waving the Egyptian flag and shouting with joy that they have won their freedom. But I can't help but wonder--have they simply exchanged one dictator for another? The protests have been hailed as a pro-democracy movement. We are being told that we are witnessing another revolution for freedom akin to that of America in 1791 which ended in the greatest experiment in freedom the world has ever seen. But I can't help but fear that we are seeing a revolution in the vein of the French revolution which ended in guillotines.<br />
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Democracy. It sounds like a good thing. But in its most simple form it is "mob rule". Let us not forget that democracy doesn't equal freedom. For if the people of Egypt, in their new-found democracy, choose to follow the wrong leader they will wind up in bondage to an Islamic state and sharia law. We should also keep a watchful eye on the rest of the Middle East for the success of this revolution will almost certainly embolden revolutionaries everywhere. <br />
lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-32680294783108700662011-01-12T19:32:00.000-06:002011-01-12T19:32:59.794-06:00Nothing Clever to Name This PostI have been plotting and planning a clever yet introspective blog post to wrap up 2010. And then I took 509872 pictures of the snow we got and I was planning a cute post about that. And then the tragedy happened in AZ and it just didn't feel right to be light-hearted. And then I wanted to tell you my take on the shameful politicization of that tragedy by politcians and media on the left and right. But now I have something serious and close to home that I need to tell you about.<br />
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I received news yesterday that a bloggy friend of mine, Joanne aka <a href="http://www.thesimplewife.typepad.com/">The Simple Wife</a>, had a stroke. She's 38 and has a husband and two young daughters. If you've been reading my blog for awhile you may remember that I <a href="http://lisaslittlesliceoflife.blogspot.com/2009/04/misplacing-god-and-finding-him-again-by.html">reviewed Joanne's book</a> <em>Misplacing God (and finding Him again). </em>While I've never met her face to face, I know someone who is close to her. And while Joanne and I have only corresponded by email and blog comments I feel like I can call her friend. I know it may seem strange that I can feel connected to someone I've never met but bloggers share a special kind of community. While my blog certainly isn't on the same par as Joanne's she has always been gracious and kind. We've talked about some difficult things that we share in common and we've prayed for each other. But most of all she loves Jesus with all her heart and and that's a GOOD thing we have in common. It makes us sisters.<br />
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Could you pray with me for Joanne? For complete healing, for peace and comfort for her husband Toben and their girls, Audrey and Emma. Pray for wisdom for the doctors and nurses. Pray that God will be glorified through this. I've shared on this blog before my <a href="http://lisaslittlesliceoflife.blogspot.com/2009/06/god-is-so-funny.html">reservations about the power of prayer and God's goodness</a> after the loss of my niece. In the last two years I have questioned everything I thought I knew. God and I are still working things out but today, for my friend, I will boldly approach His throne and plead for her. Will you go with me?lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-9249922420805253962010-12-09T17:57:00.000-06:002010-12-09T17:58:05.925-06:00Buckle UpHello! I've been wanting to post for a while but our satellite Internet is dead. We are going on Week 4 of being bamboozled, dismissed and abused by various Hughesnet technicians. Today the tech says he can't come because his truck is ON FIRE. Well.<br /><br />But this post can't wait any longer. I need to clear my conscience. You know my general views on government and economics and I've always half-jokingly promised that I would tell you when I thought it was time to start building a bunker and storing canned goods. <br /><br />I'm no longer joking. I need you to know that now is the time to prepare for hard times. I believe that my grandchildren will look back at 2010 as the year America ceased being a "superpower".<br /><br />Our lifestyle is no longer sustainable. America as we knew it or at least as we thought we understood it no longer exists. Economic collapse IS coming and we've brought it on ourselves. I don't know when it will happen or if it will come down with a giant crash or if we will slowly deteriorate into desperation. But it's going to be painful.<br /><br />Violent Marxist revolutionaries are taking Europe by storm and they will come here. They have been planting the seeds of revolution for decades. The bomb-throwing, America-hating hippies of the '60s are now the establishment. They are running our education system, financial system, political system, industry and healthcare. The only piece remaining that they don't completely control is the media. And they have their sights set on it with "net neutrality" and the FCC. And once we are no longer free to communicate competing ideas with each other it's checkmate. Game over.<br /><br />But I haven't lost hope. America WILL survive. She won't look quite the same. There will be scars that remain but her principles are indestructible. All men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. <br /><br />So buckle up--it's gonna get dicey. But the good news is I believe the good guys win in the end. <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from Dixie, my iPhone<br />lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-53322289711774359442010-11-01T19:53:00.000-05:002010-11-01T19:53:33.638-05:00Happy Election Day Eve!Oh, I am giddy about the Big Day tomorrow! It should be an historic election of gargantuan proportions!<br />
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<em>I love a good hyperbole.</em><br />
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I thought I'd share some of the races I'll be keeping my eye on tomorrow night. I know you are all dying to know who I'm rooting for. <br />
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<em>Rooting for...it sounds like I'm getting ready to watch a big game. Unfortunately, politics HAS become a game, and I don't actually like the Democrats OR the Republicans. They are all a bunch of big-government, progressive weasels. I'd like to give them all a big, giant foam finger. That being said, I'll be wearing red and rootin' for the Republicans tomorrow since I believe the Democrats have already sold their souls to George Soros.</em> <em>Time will tell if the "Tea Party" Republicans sell out too.</em><br />
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So some of my favorite races to watch tomorrow night are:<br />
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<strong>Nevada-Senate race:</strong> It will be HISTORIC (and hilarious) if Tea-Party favorite Sharron Angle beats Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Reid is an elitist, arrogant jerk. Go Sharon!<br />
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<strong>Delaware-Senate race:</strong> It would be so awesome if Christine O'Donnell could beat Chris Coons. At first I thought she was a little kooky, and she may well be, but she started to grow on me. And I have to root for anybody who's been treated by the media like she has been. I love an underdog.<br />
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<strong>Florida-Senate race</strong>: I am a HUGE fan of Marco Rubio. Dare I say he seems...presidential?! Meeks seems like a decent fellow but Crist is a shameless dirtbag.<br />
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<strong>California-Governor</strong>: I don't know much about Meg Whitman but she does have one really, REALLY important qualification--she's NOT Jerry Brown.<br />
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<strong>California-Senate race</strong>: I think I like Carly Fiorina. And I know I don't like Barbara "Call Me Senator" Boxer. I'd like to call her "Former Senator Boxer".<br />
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<strong>Alaska-Senate</strong>: Joe Miller seems like a decent guy. Lisa Murkowski seems to be a spoiled brat throwing a temper tantrum over not winning the Republican nomination.<br />
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<strong>Ohio-Governor</strong>: John Kasich. I've always liked him.<br />
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<strong>Connecticut-Governor</strong>: What the h-e- double-hockey stick is wrong with you Connecticut? How is Richard Blumenthal even in the running against Linda McMahon? Not that I'm a big fan of Linda's but HELLO!, Blumenthal is an unprincipaled moron.<br />
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<strong>Arkansas-House</strong>: I'm pulling for Beth Anne Rankin. I went to college with her and she's a lovely person. And Mike Ross is not.<br />
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<strong>Arkansas-Senate:</strong> I can't wait to retire Blanche Lincoln! Woo Hoo! John Boozman!<br />
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<strong>Colorado-Governor</strong>: A win by Tom Tancredo would be amazing.<br />
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<strong>Kentucky-Senate</strong>: I really like Rand Paul. <br />
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<strong>Pennsylvania-Senate</strong>: I hope Pat Toomey can pull out a win over Joe Sestak.<br />
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<strong>Wisconsin-Senate</strong>: I will be so delighted to see Russ Feingold lose.<br />
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<strong>Arizona-House</strong>: Ruth McClung is my choice. She's a physicist. I like physicists. (Head nod to <a href="http://goodrumfive.blogspot.com/">Mr. Rascalraiser</a>.)<br />
<br />
<strong>Florida-House</strong>: Please, please Florida. Go vote for Dan Webster. Alan Grayson is a hate-mongering psycho. <em>Would you like for me to tell you how I really feel</em>?<br />
<br />
<strong>Massachusetts-House</strong>: Mass, what is your deal?! How is Sean Bielat not winning against Barney "Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not in a crisis situation" Frank?!<br />
<br />
So there you go. I know your life is more complete now that you know where I stand on these races. I've got my race-tracking lists printed and the Hubs and I will be popping some corn and sipping hot cocoa tomorrow night watching the results roll in!<br />
<br />
Woo hoo! Go Big Red!lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-48017692164316339972010-10-22T16:33:00.000-05:002010-10-22T16:33:10.037-05:00Freedom Of Speech Gets Kicked In The HeadHello again. It's been a while. But you KNEW I'd have to come back to talk about this NPR fiasco, didn't you?!<br />
<br />
Please, please tell me you have been paying attention to the world around you and you are aware of the fact that NPR fired Juan Williams this week. Just in case, here's a quick explanation: Juan Williams, a liberal news analyst for NPR and also a contributor on Fox News, was abruptly let go from his decade-long employment with NPR this week allegedly because of comments he made on Bill O'Reilly's show regarding Muslims. I say "allegedly" because NPR has tolerated much worse statements than Juan's from the likes of Cokie Roberts and Nina Totenburg and they still have jobs. Oh, but they only insulted conservatives and Christians so it's all good.<br />
<br />
<em>I feel like I need to insert right here this disclaimer: I do not like Juan Williams. He is very far-left in his political ideology and when I watch him I usually wind up yelling at my TV. I don't know that I have ever agreed with Juan on anything.</em> <em>However, I grudgingly respect his willingness to come on Fox News and have a reasonable debate unlike so many on the far-left. (Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg come to mind.) Just sayin'.</em><br />
<br />
Ok, back to the summary of the situation. Juan and Bill were discussing the Behar/Goldberg walk-out on the set of The View when Bill said that "Muslim's killed us on 9/11" and that political correctness is running amok these days when Juan decided to use himself as an example. I'm paraphrasing but he said something like, "I'm very involved in the civil rights movement so obviously I am no bigot. But even I get a little nervous when I get on a plane and there's someone in full-on Muslim garb." Ok. Big deal. He didn't say that people in Muslim garb shouldn't be allowed to fly. He didn't say that all Muslims that wear the traditional garb are dangerous or evil. He was simply honest about his personal feelings and about what I suspect many Americans have also thought on many occasions. <br />
<br />
Well, you would think that he had called for stripping all Muslims of their citizenship and shipping them all back to the Middle East. NPR promptly fired him, BY PHONE. Yep, wouldn't even let him come in and discuss it in person. <em> In a completely unrelated story, last week far-left progressive billionaire George Soros donated $1.8 million dollars to NPR.</em> <em> Also, in a completely unrelated story, George Soros donated $1 million dollars to Media Matters to "fight against Fox News." But I digress.</em> <br />
<br />
Is it just me or does "freedom of speech" not mean what it used to? I thought it used to mean that the answer to speech you didn't like was MORE speech. Apparently now it means if you don't agree with me and I'm in power you should sit down and shut up. Like I said, I almost never agree with Juan but don't you think it's a good idea to have a dialogue? Wouldn't you think the lefties would WANT Juan to reach out to the Fox audience in hopes of persuading them to some of his views? Maybe that would be too reasonable. I guess I'm just too darn reasonable...Juan, I'll stand with you and I champion your right to free speech. You keep on talking and I'll keep on yelling at my TV! <br />
<br />
<em>I wonder how Juan feels about so many conservatives standing up for his right to free speech?</em><br />
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I'll leave you with some words from George Washington: "If freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.<br />
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Baa, baa, America.<br />
lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-11319347194847638072010-09-06T12:36:00.000-05:002010-09-06T12:36:36.841-05:00O-U-A-C-H-I-T-A!Wow. It's been twenty-two years since my parents tearfully dropped me off in front of the Flippen-Perrin dorm and I waved goodbye uncertainly and began that amazing adventure we call the Ouachita experience. Ínitially when I heard about the first OBU BlogAbout I was hesitant to participate. Not because I don't have many, many great memories from my time at Ouachita but because I didn't know how in the world I could adquately condense those memories into a coherent blog post that would do justice to the experience. But I'm not one to miss out on a party so here goes...<br />
<br />
My husband, Wes, says that the most important thing I need to tell you is that I met HIM at OBU. It was right before Christmas break of my sophomore year and his freshman year. For weeks my roommate, Teresa, had been telling me about this really cute, super-friendly guy in one of her classes. One evening they were studying together on the bridge of the Student Center and I happened to drop by and was finally introduced to him. I'm not being overly dramatic when I say that life was never the same!<br />
<br />
My first two years at OBU the girls had a curfew. Just the girls. I guess the powers that be figured that if the girls all had to be back in the dorm then the guys wouldn't have anything to do and they'd go home too. <em>Wes just kindly pointed out that the Henderson girls didn't have a curfew. Nice.</em> <br />
<br />
Anyhoo, during finals week we would inevitably get the munchies after curfew. That was back during the days of the Taco Bell "Ten Tacos for A Dollar" deal. Ok, it was probably more than a dollar but it was still a GREAT. DEAL! One night Teresa and I called Wes to make an emergency Taco Bell run and he and his roommate, Tom, brought back a box of tacos. There was, conveniently, a hole in the screen of our second story window (I promise it was there when we moved in!) so Teresa and I lowered a rope (why did we have a rope?!) and Wes tied the box of tacos to the end of it and we pulled them up. Best tacos I ever ate!<br />
<br />
There was also the time that it snowed and Teresa and I had ordered a pizza but the pizza guy called back and said he couldn't get out of the icy parking lot to deliver said pizza. So who ya gonna call? Wes. He came and got us in his little blue Toyota pickup and we slipped and slid all the way to Pizza Hut and back. Mission accomplished. <br />
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We used to study at the Road Runner convenience store in Caddo Valley because they had tables, were open 24 hours and they let us have free refills on our coffee. Then we'd usually wind up at the Waffle House for their $3.99 all-you-can-eat special.<br />
<br />
<em>Why do all my memories involve food?</em><br />
<br />
Oh, here's one that doesn't involve food. One time the guys who lived in Conger (the REAL Conger, not that imposter that was recently torn down) ran electrical cords from the lobby to the middle of the campus and set up a TV screen so we could watch the World Series. That was during the time that I was pretending to be interested in baseball. Because Wes played baseball. I didn't miss a single OBU Tiger baseball game that first year we dated. Teresa and I, along with our suitemate, Terri, went to Panama City for spring break that year and we even surprised the team by showing up in Pensacola where they had a tournament. <br />
<br />
There are many more un-food-related adventures but most of those probably shouldn't be shared on the World Wide Web, especially since I happen to now work at Ouachita. (Thanks for the health insurance, OBU!) Let's just say that a good time was had by all. :) Oh, and we all received stellar educations in the process.<br />
<br />
Happy Founders Day to Ouachita! May all her skies be gay! :)lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-56275751998887816912010-08-31T19:58:00.000-05:002010-08-31T19:58:00.395-05:00In Defense of Restoring HonorYou may have heard of an event called "8/28: Restoring Honor" that was held by Glenn Beck this past weekend at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. However, unless you consistently listen to Glenn on his daily radio program or watch his Fox News program you have probably not heard the truth about it. And if you rely on the mainstream media for your news then you d<strong>efinitely </strong>haven't heard the truth about it. And if you didn't see it for yourself you can't understand it. <br />
<br />
Prior to the event, the Left was predicting that it would be an angry, racist, hate-filled frenzy of politically-motivated "teabaggers". Al Sharpton even led a counter-rally nearby and accused Glenn of hijacking the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial forty-seven years ago. <br />
<br />
We've come to expect this kind of rhetoric and hysteria from the Left. And each time they scream "Racist, hate-monger!" it becomes a little less believable. Think Chicken Little.<br />
<br />
What is most distressing to me is the reaction of the so-called Christian Right. Some Christian leaders can't wait to condemn Beck to hell (he's a Mormon) and decry the Restoring Honor event as heresy. <a href="http://onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=1141100">This column</a> by Dr. Russell Moore is a perfect example of the judgemental nature and willful ignorance of some Christian leaders. I dare say Dr. Moore probably doesn't regularly watch or listen to Beck for if he did he would know that Glenn is very careful to say that he is not a theologian and that he is aware many Christians do not consider him to be one. He does not attempt to sway his viewers and listeners to his particular faith and in fact, vigorously insists that they search out the truth for themselves and encourages them to be very sure of what they believe. Dr. Moore also seems to be guilty of the very same elitist attitude that we all despise in the Left--that people are too stupid (or gullible) to decide anything for themselves. They must be told what is right and best for them. Apparently Dr. Moore thinks that it's his responsiblity to convict peoples' hearts rather than the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
Now, if I haven't quite stepped on your toes enough...<br />
<br />
I also happen to believe that Glenn Beck IS a Christian. (Gasp!)<br />
<br />
I grew up in the Southern Baptist church and in fact I'm the daughter of a minister. I saw all the anti-Mormon propaganda growing up and believed it for many years. Now, don't misunderstand me. I do not subscribe to their theology. I disagree vehemently with many tenets of their faith. But what I have finally come to understand is that it is not my place to judge the effectiveness of someone's faith nor their sincerity. Glenn has very plainly stated on many occasions that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior. That's good enough for me. I also examine the fruit produced in his life just like Jesus says in Matthew 7:18-20. I am greatly encouraged that God can take an alchoholic, self-professed "dirt bag" and turn him into a man of great courage, honor, integrity, love, kindess and generosity. I do agree with Dr. Moore that today's American church presents a warm, fuzzy, watered-down, inoffensive gospel. And isn't it just like God to "choose the foolish things of the world [a Mormon!!!] to shame the wise" ?! (1 Cor 1 :27) And I will also tell you that the Spirit that lives in me recognizes the Spirit that lives in Glenn. Feel free to judge me too. I answer to my Jesus and no one else.<br />
<br />
Bottom line, the Restoring Honor event was a multi-faith event that honored our military heroes and encouraged people of all faiths to join together on the issues that we can agree on--faith, hope, charity and honor. It really doesn't matter if you or I believe Beck to be a "true" Christian--that's between him and the Lord.lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-90266245911045435912010-08-24T21:08:00.000-05:002010-08-24T21:08:27.765-05:00Cops and RobbersSo, today I was held hostage in my office by an armed bank robber.<br />
<br />
Well, I wasn't held hostage by the <em>actual </em>armed bank robber so much as I was held hostage by the University emergency alert system that warned all faculty, staff and students to go into the nearest building, lock the doors and stay there because there was an armed bank robber loose on campus.<br />
<br />
It was very exciting for the first hour. We all took turns inventing descriptions for the robber and by the end of the lockdown he looked something like Rambo with a machete in one hand and shoulder-fired rocket launcher in the other.<br />
<br />
Then it was noon, which is when I get off. And I was still in lockdown.<br />
<br />
I was no longer amused.<br />
<br />
I decided I felt lucky, punk, and took matters into my own hands. Rachel (who also gets off at noon) and I plotted our great escape. We slipped out with a crowd of football coaches and made a mad dash across campus to our cars. (Note: It would be <strong>lovely</strong> if we had parking closer to our building, you know, in case we're running for our lives. Just sayin'.)<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, all's well that ends well. Our very capable local police finally nabbed the guy down by the river which runs along the backside of campus. <br />
<br />
Oh, and today was registration day which is, um, a REALLY BIG DEAL. So not only was the robber not a criminal mastermind, he also has really bad timing.<br />
<br />
At least the lockdown didn't have anything to do with a sighting of the weird, naked guy that has been breaking into houses and watching people sleep. But that's a story for another day.<br />
<br />
<em>I wonder what kind of creepy Google hits this post will get?</em><br />
<br />
So I headed home expecting to spend a relaxing afternoon recovering from this harrowing experience.<br />
<br />
Then Wes called.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">He had gone out of town to pick up these:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/THR5ZntWFUI/AAAAAAAABCY/oPl3jLbLjiU/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/THR5ZntWFUI/AAAAAAAABCY/oPl3jLbLjiU/s320/IMG_0864.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> and had managed to...BREAK THE KEY to the Tahoe.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Who does that?!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">(By the way, those are deer stands for those who are not in the know.)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So the girls and I had to drive an hour to take him another key.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At least he treated us to dinner at Larry's Pizza so it wasn't a total loss.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>And thus ended another exciting day in Lisa's Little Slice of Life.lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-53326666672197148462010-07-30T22:14:00.000-05:002010-07-30T22:14:53.540-05:00Smarter Than A Ninth Grader Part 2Some of you have expressed an interest in my homeschooling progress, and by "some of you" I mean "one of you." (Shout out to my new favorite lurker, Amanda, who did not leave her email address or else I would have sent a happy little note thanking her for her kind comment. Although I must say Amanda is quite right to be cautious about giving out her email address willy-nilly. There are a lot of kooks <strike>around here</strike> out there!)<br />
<br />
So without further ado, I will tell you what I have accomplished thus far in my homeschooling venture. I will also tell you in list form because that makes me feel organized.<br />
<br />
1. First, I researched the homeschool laws in my state. They're pretty flexible as far as required courses, number of credits, etc. There is some standardized testing that will have to be done but that's no biggie. Basically, all I have to do right now is turn in the proper forms (which were helpfully emailed to me by my bestie, <a href="http://www.goodrumfive.blogspot.com/">Amber</a>) by August 15th. Then we're official.<br />
<br />
2. I went to the local school district website and downloaded their graduation policy for an advanced diploma. We'll follow pretty closely so that IF we want to return to public school we'll be on track but we won't be using any of their curriculum. I also downloaded their course catalog so I can make sure that our classes cover the same basic material as theirs does just in case.<br />
<br />
3. I found a GREAT <a href="http://donnayoung.org/">website</a> with every kind of printable form you could ever want to use for homeschooling and all kinds of great resources. I even found a schedule for our science curriculum that someone else had prepared and posted.<br />
<br />
4. I prepared a course of study using the info I gathered in #2 to be sure that we'd end up with the right courses and number of credits.<br />
<br />
5. Then I wrote a four year plan which divided up the required courses into the proper sequence and year.<br />
<br />
6. Now the fun part--shopping for curriculum! Here's a list of what we'll be studying this year (and I do mean <em>we</em> as I'm going to have to re-learn this stuff too!)<br />
<ul><li>English 1 -<a href="http://www.smarrpublishers.com/C2401.html"> Introduction to Literature by Smarr Publishers</a> . I'll also add some grammar and spelling.</li>
<li>Geometry - <a href="http://www.lamppostpublishing.com/mathharoldjacobs.htm">Geometry: Seeing, Doing, Understanding by Harold R. Jacobs</a>.</li>
<li>Biology - <a href="http://www.apologia.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4">Exploring Creation Through Biology by Wile and Durnell (Apologia)</a>. This is one place I'm deviating from the public school plan which calls for Physcial Science. Since Hayley wants to go to med school eventually we're jumping right into Biology so that we can end up with Anatomy her senior year.</li>
<li>Civics - <a href="http://www.nccsstore.com/The-5000-Year-Leap-A-Miracle-that-Changed-the-World/productinfo/5000YL">The 5000 Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen (National Center for Constitutional Studies)</a> I am SO excited about this one! I'll also supplement with some of the original sources written by the founders and also some of the works that they studied. Next semester we'll do Economics. Another of my FAVES!</li>
<li>Spanish 1- <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/lifepac-electives-spanish-complete-with-cds/9780740304743/pd/304747?item_code=WW&netp_id=317972&event=EBRN&view=details">Spanish 1 LifePac by Alpha Omega</a></li>
<li>Computer Applictions 1 - I'm going to wing it on this one. I'll use my noggin and resources found online. Basically it's just word processing, internet searching skills (what skill, just Google!), citing Internet sources, Powerpoint and simple spreadsheets (Be still, my heart!)</li>
<li>Health - Total Health: Choices For A Winning Lifestyle by Susan Boe. Next semester we'll do a PE credit. Boo!</li>
</ul>So that's it in a nutshell. Now my task is to plan a schedule for the year and make lesson plans. We're right on track to begin mid-August. Yippee!lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-14574846264608929802010-07-21T21:44:00.000-05:002010-07-21T21:44:23.258-05:00Smarter Than a Ninth GraderI have ordered all of Hayley's homeschooling curriculum for this fall. <br />
<br />
I couldn't wait to crack open the new books. I LOVE me some new books. The smell of fresh ink, the crisp new paper, the crack of the spine when it's opened for the first time. Sigh.<br />
<br />
I was in the midst of new-book-sensory-overload and I happened to look, really look at the actual content. <br />
<br />
YIKES!<br />
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I know I took Geometry but, HELLO, IT DOES NOT LOOK AT ALL FAMILIAR.<br />
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Neither does the Biology. Or the Literature. And do not get me started on Spanish. I didn't even take Spanish. I took French in high school. WHHHHYYYY??? French is not at all useful. But I remember I felt very sophisticated. That and five dollars will buy me a Starbucks coffee.<br />
<br />
So...panic is beginning to settle in. But so is excitement.<br />
<br />
Why am I homeschooling? I'm so glad you asked!<br />
<br />
Although there were many considerations that went into this decision, I think it really boiled down to this:<br />
<br />
TIME.<br />
<br />
I woke up one day and felt like I'd been punched in the gut with the realization that Hayley is 14 and I only have FOUR MORE YEARS to influence her life decisions. I thought of all the things I want to be sure she knows before she enters the shocking reality of the world. And I realized that public school has made me lazy. I've been passive, even content, to let strangers prepare my child for life. Please, if you are happy with public school, please don't take this as a condemnation of your choice. Just because it's right for us doesn't mean it's right for your family. I just realize that I need to be very intentional about preparing Hayley for life and I know myself too well. I won't make the effort unless I don't give myself a choice.<br />
<br />
I also realized that seven hours a day at school plus all the extra-curricular stuff that goes with it doesn't leave much time for anything else...much less quality time sharing life lessons. <br />
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So this next year will be about TIME. Time for learning and laughing. Time for living. Because life is just too ding dang short.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned this fall and find out if I'm smarter than my ninth grader.lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-89243295738081143122010-07-19T22:09:00.003-05:002010-07-20T07:21:31.782-05:00Start Where You AreI'm going to just jump right back in to this here blog like I've never been gone.<br />
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My wise friend, Krista, once advised me when I was overwhelmed at how behind I was in scrapbooking that I just have to dive in and start where I am and keep it going forward. I can always go back and catch up the other stuff as time allows. I have spent hours to day trying to organize all the pictures on my laptop. I am not nearly done. And once I 'm done, I still have to blog about them. So in the words of my wise friend I will start now. I may get the heebie jeebies from working out of chronological order. If you find me curled up in the corner slowly rocking back and forth and muttering Dates! Dates! The dates are wrong! please ignore me.<br />
<em> </em><br />
This <a href="https://www.getuglu.com/?refcode=1002">product</a> is NOT the be all to end all adhesive. You may recall I tried to hang my window treatments with velcro. Over time, the treatments keep shedding section by section until the entire thing is in the floor. And they stayed that way for months. And then along came UGlu. It promised it would change my life. I believed you, UGlu.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhere Billy Mays is rolling over in his grave.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">He would have never pitched this UGlu product.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/TEUWS8Y0TxI/AAAAAAAABCA/du9BI3c9g5k/s1600/225px-Billy_Mays_Portrait_Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/TEUWS8Y0TxI/AAAAAAAABCA/du9BI3c9g5k/s200/225px-Billy_Mays_Portrait_Cropped.jpg" width="186" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">They looked lovely when I first put them up. I even UGlued my super-size wooden spoon and fork over the main window. It was FAB and of course, I failed to take a picture. The next morning...half of one window was dangling down. Stuck it bank up and gave it a stern talking to. Later in the day Wes saw it dangling and stuck it back up firmly. Then by that evening I found most of the window treatments just hanging by a thread. And the supe-size fork...had met a bitter end in 1,000 pieces on my kitchen floor.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So, don't believe everything you see on TV even if it is Billy Mays' friend Andrew Sullivan that wants you to buy it. Run away. Run fast.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-41239860713985919482010-07-17T13:14:00.000-05:002010-07-17T13:14:59.998-05:00BlogPress: Liar, Liar Pants on FireHi there.<br />
<br />
Apparently I've been on an unplanned bloggy hiatus.<br />
<br />
Although, I haven't been gone as long as it appears I have. <br />
<br />
We're down to one laptop in our house right now and with four users that means a lot waiting my turn. Also, you may remember that my previous laptop died and although I have a new one the restoration of my backup files is taking a SWEET FOREVER. (That's a bone I have to pick with Hughesnet. But that's a story for another day.) So a couple of weeks ago I decided that if I was going to update my blog so you people would know I hadn't dropped off the face of the earth I was going to have to use the BlogPress app on my iPhone.<br />
<br />
Y'all, I wrote the wittiest, most clever post EVAH about Wes and cantelopes. And super-secret spy codes(Are you intrigued?!) And BlogPress told me it published it.<br />
<br />
IT LIED.<br />
<br />
It did not publish said clever post. Nor did it even <em>save</em> said clever post as a draft.<br />
<br />
It's as though I never wrote it.<br />
<br />
I suppose my GREATEST POST EVAH is floating around cyberspace somewhere. How does that work? <br />
<br />
Is it like when the dryer eats socks? <br />
<br />
Is there a giant, ethereal cyber-world out there filled with orphaned blog posts and emails that never arrive?<br />
<br />
It's a mystery that may never be solved. lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-2790730688717995222010-05-24T18:05:00.000-05:002010-05-24T18:05:10.645-05:00WWPD?On the menu for tonight:<br />
<br />
Whole Wheat Penne Rigata with Chicken<br />
Zesty Lemon Steamed Asparagus<br />
<br />
I was feeling quite gourmet-y and nearly sprained my arm patting myself on the back. What a great mom I am, I was thinking. Look at this healthy, nutritious, well-balanced and tasty meal I have prepared for my family.<br />
<br />
Oh, I was pleased with myself alright.<br />
<br />
Then...<br />
<br />
I pulled out la piece de resistance of Penne Rigata with Chicken...Parmesan Cheese.<br />
<br />
And it was moldy.<br />
<br />
I was momentarily stumped as I pondered the age-old question: What Would Paula Do?<br />
<br />
Paula would slather it in butter and call you "Shugah."<br />
<br />
I am not Paula.<br />
<br />
I picked out the blue fuzzy parts and called it bleu cheese.lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-44101672921706111082010-05-16T21:52:00.001-05:002010-05-16T21:52:48.268-05:00R.I.P. ShibaAfter several years of web-surfing, social networking and photo editing together, it is with great sadness I must tell you that my trusty Toshiba Satellite laptop, Shiba, has passed on to that Great Computer Lab in the Sky on this sixteenth day of <br />May in the year 2010. <br /><br />Her happily blinking LED light display and the cheerful whirring of her fan will be sorely missed. <br />May she rest in peace. Amen.<br /> <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from Dixie, my iPhone<br />lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-80639873369475567252010-05-07T18:16:00.001-05:002010-05-07T18:16:14.954-05:00Finally FridayI am so happy that it's finally Friday! It's been a rough week but OH! it just got better!<br /><br />Look what Jack the UPS guy brought for me:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/elisa.c.sullivan/LisaSLittleSliceOfLife?authkey=Gv1sRgCNSBu5nLhZKWXg#5468670874004427218'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/S-SfL4aPEdI/AAAAAAAABBo/lk_k-b48vts/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/elisa.c.sullivan/LisaSLittleSliceOfLife?authkey=Gv1sRgCNSBu5nLhZKWXg#5468670926596957778'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/S-SfO8VRZlI/AAAAAAAABBs/A07RL9oeu0Y/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It's like he read my mind!!!!<br /><br />I ordered these from Zappos.com (Free Shipping! Free Returns!) and then they sent me an email saying that since I was such a GREAT customer they were upgrading me to faster shipping for FREE! And y'all, dadgummit if I didn't get these puppies in less than 48 hours!!!!<br /><br />I heart zappos.com, new kicks, UPS and Friday!!<br />lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-61069147123214834282010-05-05T22:11:00.000-05:002010-05-05T22:11:09.439-05:00Fun With GeographyMy 14 year-old daughter was telling me the other day about a commercial that she's supposed to make for her Career Orientation class. <br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Hayley: Hey, Mom, our commercial is going to be really funny. I play a girl with a Cajun accent.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Me: Cajun? Really? I had no idea you even knew what a Cajun sounds like.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Hayley: (begins demonstrating her "accent" which sounded a lot less <a href="http://www.chefpaul.com/site.php">Paul Prudhomme</a> and a bit more <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/jersey_shore/cast_member.jhtml?personalityId=13196#moreinfo">Snookie from Jersey Shores</a> .) </div><div><br />
</div><div>Me: Oh, you mean New Jersey. That's not Cajun.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Hayley: But I thought Cajuns lived in that other New place...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Me: Orleans?</div><div><br />
</div><div>Hayley: Yeah, New Orleans. Whatever, it's close.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Me: No, not close at all . So you're doing the New Jersey accent instead? </div><div><br />
</div><div>Hayley: No, I'm doing the Cajun one.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Me: No, you're not. You're doing a New Jersey accent.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Hayley: But don't Cajuns live in New Jersey?</div><div><br />
</div><div>She soooo needs to be homeschooled.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-27761962652855897542010-04-19T17:23:00.001-05:002010-04-19T17:23:58.524-05:00More Fun With WordsConversation with my 14 year-old daughter--<br /><br />Hayley: Mom! I just saw a headline that says Taylor Lautner likes BOYS!!!<br /><br />Me: What?! I thought he dated Taylor Swift?<br /><br />Hayley: I guess he's bilingual.<br /><br />Me: Si, amigo.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from Dixie, my iPhone<br />lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4763314918884941686.post-89837032621493634752010-04-14T18:18:00.000-05:002010-04-14T18:18:36.086-05:00What's Cookin'?Let us pause for a moment of silence as we bid farewell to my poor, battered Emeril Lagasse saute' pan who has served me faithfully lo, these many years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/S8ZJrovVtAI/AAAAAAAABBI/TtYnkM9mM3w/s1600/Blog002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/S8ZJrovVtAI/AAAAAAAABBI/TtYnkM9mM3w/s320/Blog002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
My dearest saute' pan, you have performed your duty with honor but I fear you have become a health hazard what with your scorched and flaking Teflon coating. It is with great regret I must ask you to retire.<br />
<br />
Sniff. Sniff.<br />
<br />
Ok, without further adieu, please welcome the newest member of my kitchen staff:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/S8ZKmUZNpBI/AAAAAAAABBY/dmyy2AZBxG0/s1600/Blog003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/S8ZKmUZNpBI/AAAAAAAABBY/dmyy2AZBxG0/s320/Blog003.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
A shiny, red Paula Deen 5-qt. covered saute' pan!<br />
<br />
So, Lisa, what delicious, gourmet treat do you plan to cook first in said new pan?<br />
<br />
Coq au Vin? Boeuf Bourguignon?<br />
<br />
No, I'll probably brown some ground beef--and not the lean stuff! Woo hoo! I really like to live on the edge.<br />
<br />
I'd also like for you to meet the newest member of my housecleaning staff:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/S8ZMY0RUKpI/AAAAAAAABBg/sUH3-XqGviE/s1600/base_media.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCBjZX8jL0U/S8ZMY0RUKpI/AAAAAAAABBg/sUH3-XqGviE/s320/base_media.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ta Da! My Bissell Little Green Machine.<br />
<br />
I love this little guy. I've already shampooed my sofa. I'll probably shampoo everything in this house that's not moving.<br />
<br />
Actually, I may shampoo the dog if I can get her to stay still long enough.<br />
<br />
Oh, I kid!<br />
<br />
Not really.<br />
<br />
Don't worry, my bloggy friends, I haven't morphed into a Domestic Diva. I promise I will still regale you with tales of my culinary failures and housekeeping disasters.lisa@littlesliceoflifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10999577252413065299noreply@blogger.com6