Saturday, April 18, 2009

Insane, Delusional Crazy-Man Story Telling

2:40 PM | Posted by Lori ~ The Simple Life at Home | | Edit Post
Ok, I realize that I may be one of the few people left who will own up to still watching Survivor.  But I love it!  You get to see people do things they would (hopefully!) never do in real-life.

Like blatantly lie and expect the entire world to believe them.

If you watched this week's episode of Survivor, you know that Coach shared a little bit of his life story with the world.  It was quite interesting. Interesting in the "I'm completely out of my mind to think that anyone would believe any part of this story" way.  

Now, Coach has already proven himself to be utterly delusional.  Consistently referring to himself as "The Dragonslayer," insisting that he started the whole Samurai-hairstyle thing, taking credit for strategy decisions that he had no part in other than to jump on someone else's coattails, and more.  But two things stuck out last night that just left our family in stitches.

First, as the show opened we got to see Coach standing hip-deep in water doing some kind of strange warrior-posing type thing.  Last week's version of this was better since it was scored to this rising crescendo of music.  (Note to self: contact show producers and ask them to make this a regular feature.)  As his tribemates made fun of him when he emerged from the water, he informed them that he was doing Chong-Ram, which of course no one had ever heard of.  That, according to Coach, is because it is un-Google-able and not on Wikipedia because it is only taught by Tibetan monks and he had to go to a monastery to learn it.  Now it seems to me that most of those martial arts things that are taught in those monasteries are, in fact, able to be found with a quick search.  But not the one Coach does, oh no!

Then to top it off, he decides to share a fireside story that night. In this story, he is dropped by military helicopter from several feet off the ground into the jungles of Peru.  As he is kayaking down the Amazon, he is suddenly attacked by a group of short, indigenous people.  They beat him with clubs, tie him to a stake in a hut and continue to beat him with clubs.  Through some stroke of "Coach-ness" he manages to escape his bonds, sneak out of the hut and escape with his kayak.

As his tribe sat in stunned silence, only Brendan was able to say anything to confront this outrageous story, asking, "How much does it cost to get a military helicopter to do that?"  Coach replies, "Nothing.  I pulled some strings."  Because don't all college soccer coaches have favors to call in with the Peruvian military?  Oh, and by the way, National Geographic wanted to follow him along on his journey and document it, but told them no because it was just about him and his personal journey.  Uh-huh.

I don't know why I felt compelled to share this story on the blog.  I guess it was just so funny to me that people can make things up like this.  Now, if he comes up with some kind of proof that the story is true, I will eat my words and happily post an apology.  But for now, it just seems like Survivor has found the most mentally delusional person they've ever had.
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Friday, April 17, 2009
1:10 PM | Posted by Lori ~ The Simple Life at Home | | Edit Post
Because I have nothing big to share today, here's a sampling of some of the random thoughts I've had lately.

1) I've now heard the song, "Girl From Ipanema" twice this week on the local radio.  I think I could say with certainty that that is more than I've ever heard it on the radio in my entire life leading up to this week.  I believe that says something about the quality of radio here in Qatar.

2) I'm watching, "The Constant Gardener" on tv right now and I'm quite confused.  It's not at all what I thought it was about.  I thought it was about a gardener who was passionately in love with someone - not a murdered woman involved in working against drug companies in Africa.  I'm confused, but still watching.

3) I don't understand how rain here in Doha makes the cars even dirtier than they were before the rain.

4) I bought a breadmaker this morning at a moving sale.  I used to have one, but sold it long ago because I felt I didn't use it often enough.  But I miss the smell of freshly baked bread and the kids miss the fresh pizza dough.  I found it for just 20 riyals - about 5 dollars.  Not a bad deal!

5) I'm hooked on a new reality show called "Running in Heels."  I don't know how long it's been running in the States for, but it's only been on a couple of weeks here.  It's about three interns at Marie Claire magazine.  Oh my gosh, is the one girl mean!!!!  I mean, just downright nasty.  She's always late, doesn't do a good job, is constantly scowling and then wonders why she doesn't get the plum assignments.    Hmm...I wonder?

6) I'm holding out hope for finding some good stuff for the house in the next few months.  Doha has a very transient population - most people only stay for about 2-5 years.  Many people leave in the summer once school is out.  I'm already hearing of moving sales as people prepare to go.  (Hence the breadmaker mentioned above.)  What I really need is decorative things to make the house feel more put together and homier.  Today I also got this great set of carved candlesticks that look great on the piano.  Tomorrow I'm going to another sale by three families from church that are all moving back to the US and I'm hoping to make a bigger score there.  Sales like this don't happen often here.  It's not like in the States where you can just go out driving around and find tons of garage sales, so this is a great chance for me to pick up some things for a song.

I think that's all I've got for now.  Like I said, just random things running in my brain.  Hope you all have a nice weekend!!
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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Thankful Thursday - Wisdom

9:58 PM | Posted by Lori ~ The Simple Life at Home | | Edit Post



I have much to be thankful for this week. It's been a tiring week, both physically and emotionally, but still I can see God's hand on my life. It's so reassuring to know that He is always there with me, even when I feel like I am too tired or distracted to give Him the attention He deserves.

Physically, I must say how thankful I am for healing. After my bout with "tracheitis" over the past couple of weeks, I am thankful to be free of pain when I breathe. I'm still coughing, but not nearly as frequently and without the immense pain I had before. I'm still struggling with fatigue, but I'm thankful that it doesn't generally hit until later in the evening. It's great to be able to go about my day with energy and stamina again.

Emotionally, the struggles at work seem to be easing up. I did end up meeting with the other ladies in the office as well as the principal and asst. principal to try to work out our problems. It was uncomfortable, but I prayed alot beforehand and really feel as though God guided my word choice and helped me get through it without losing my temper or crying (if you don't know me in real life, you may not be aware that I cry at the drop of a hat. I cry at the Waltons, for goodness' sake!!). Since the meeting, things have slowly thawed out between the woman I was having problems with. It's not that great, but it's not horrible either.

I'm continuing to pray for the situation between her and the other woman. There seem to be deeper issues there which were not resolved during the meeting. The other woman continually comes to me with her frustrations and I'm really trying to be a wise counsel to her. I am working hard not just to commiserate with her about the woman, but instead to work towards reconciliation.

So I'm thankful that God has been gracious enough to give me wisdom. I'm not claiming to be perfect, but He has blessed me with enough wisdom to let me know that it is clearly not of my own doing!!! As I continue to grow in my faith, it's a joy to see the results of that played out in the day-to-day situations of my life.

Proverbs 8: 1-21

The Blessings of Wisdom

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?

On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;

beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:

“To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence;

O fools, learn sense. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is

right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.

They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.

Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,

for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is

hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.

By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;

by me princes rule and nobles, all who govern justly.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.

My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.

I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,

granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

For more Thankful Thursday posts, be sure to pop on over to Women Taking a Stand.

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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Quick Update on the Work Situation

12:49 PM | Posted by Lori ~ The Simple Life at Home | | Edit Post
I just want to thank you all for your prayers.  It seems as though I will not be attending a meeting this afternoon after all.  The person with whom I (and the office manager) are having a problem with asked to meet with me privately today so she could tell me "what her job is and what my job is."  

Isn't that thoughtful of her?

I said why don't we wait and sort it out during the meeting and she said that she thought the meeting (called by her boss!) was pointless and she didn't think she needed to go, the rest of us could work out whatever our troubles were.  Uh-huh.  Regardless, I agreed to meet with her during break to hear what she had to say.

Before we met though, I spoke with one of our bosses and told him she wanted to meet with me.  He said that he didn't think that myself or the other woman even needed to be present, that he needed to deal with her one on one.  I told him I was willing to meet, but he said that her behavior has been outrageous and that wouldn't be necessary.

When I did meet with her, she proceeded to tell me her job description, as defined by her and what she wants to do, and kept talking about how she isn't putting her work on anyone and how I need to not try to do her job.  She was getting more and more excited and I just remained calm and kind (thanks to YOUR prayers, I know!).  I told her that I wasn't here to be her assistant, which is how she has treated me, and that my only problem with her was our disagreement on whether or not I should be able to answer students and teachers who come into the office with questions.  I realize that's her job, but if I'm also sitting at the front desk, I need to be able to help people as well rather than sit like a dumb rock just to protect her territorial feelings.  We agreed to disagree and I said we will see what the bosses said.

Later one of the bosses came by when I was alone and I told him of the conversation and he said that the other boss will deal with her today and get it all sorted out.  I told him I felt that she hasn't wanted me here since day 1.  I also found out that when I was hired, she told other people that there were certainly other people more qualified than me and that she felt that they should have opened it up to other people already at the school than rather hire me from the outside.  So I'm wondering if she would have liked the job or something.  I don't know what to make of it.

So, after getting the silent treatment for most of the morning, I'm now just getting one word answers to direct questions.  She's clearly very upset and I just continue to be friendly and act like everything is ok.  What else can I do?  If you wouldn't mind praying again, just pray that whatever she is told in the meeting she is able to accept with grace and that we can move on from here.  

I'll keep you posted.
Labels: | 4 comments
Sunday, April 12, 2009

Menu Plan Monday

9:35 PM | Posted by Lori ~ The Simple Life at Home | | Edit Post
Welcome!!! I hope you had a blessed Easter and were able to take time to reflect on the true meaning of the day.

I can't really say that I enjoyed last week. Being a school employee, I had the week off for Spring Break. I had high hopes of making delicious meals for my family and doing a lot of maintenance work around the house. Unfortunately, I was pretty much flat on my back sick the whole week. Yesterday was the first day that I started to feel better, so hopefully I am on the mend. This week should be better. I'm hoping that by implementing my new routines which I posted the other day, things will go more smoothly and I'll get dinners on the table on a regular basis.

At least that's the plan.

Here's the menu for this week:

Sunday - Turkey Noodle Soup and biscuits



Wednesday - Spaghetti and meatballs, salad and caesar salad

Thursday - Mezze (Kubbe, Hummous, cheeses, pickles, bread, etc.)

Friday - Taco Salad

Saturday - Roast Sticky Chicken, roasted potatoes, broccoli and salad

That's the plan for the week. Hopefully it will all work out and we will be eating a homecooked meal every night.

Can I just prevail on you for just a minute longer? If you wouldn't mind, I would really appreciate your prayers for me today. Tomorrow I'll be having a meeting with the other ladies in my office as well as both the principal and vice-principal. The objective of the meeting is to sort out some work-related issues that have been going on, but I think that it's gotten personal for some of us and it is promising to be a very uncomfortable meeting. It's already gotten uncomfortable just since they called the meeting! If you would just pray that God would give me wise words and an open heart I'd appreciate it. I don't want to hurt anyone, but I do want to get things settled so we can all move on. Thank you.

And now, I'm off. But be sure to visit The Organizing Junkie to get more great menu ideas!!
Labels: | 6 comments

Happy Easter!!!!

1:11 PM | Posted by Lori ~ The Simple Life at Home | | Edit Post
He is Risen!!!

He is Risen Indeed!!!!
2 comments
Friday, April 10, 2009

Routines for this Working Mom

10:56 PM | Posted by Lori ~ The Simple Life at Home | | Edit Post
Well, as promised, I've taken some time this week to re-examine my routines. Things obviously had to change once I started working full-time. I haven't gotten much else done this week as I'm still pretty much flat on my back from my trachea/pharynx/whatever infection. I had such great hopes to do so much work in the house during our spring break, but I've been pleased to get a meal on the table, a load or two of laundry done and dishes washed. Hubby and Daniel have been so sweet and helpful.

I've broken the routines down into time frames. It's kind of like little checklists to do at each part of the day. I'm blessed in that, even though I work full-time, I'm still home by 4 pm. I work from 7:30 to 3:30. That gives me plenty of time to get dinner ready and do a little housework, as well as do some homework help, before, say 6 pm.

Morning Routines: (Waking up at 5:30 and leaving the house at 7 am)
Make bed
Do 30 min on treadmill or a 3 min exercise video
Shower and dress
Swish toilets/swipe bathroom sink
Hang laundry washed the night before
Decide what's for dinner and defrost something if needed
Kids: Unload dishwasher, take out garbage, feed dog

Afternoon Routines: (To be done between 4pm and 6 pm)
Fold clothes hung in the morning
Finish cooking dinner
Help with homework
Focus task (explained below)

Evening Routines: (To be done before bed)
Wash dishes
Clean counters, sink and table
Run a load of clothes
Prepare clothes and lunches for morning

Focus Tasks
(A focus task is a job or area that I assign to myself once a week to focus on)

Sunday - Bathrooms and mirrors
Monday - Kitchen
Tuesday - Master bedroom and bathroom
Wednesday - Hubby's room and bathroom (no, we don't have separate bedrooms - he keeps his clothes in the guest room and gets ready for work there in the morning so he doesn't wake me and we each have our space)
Thursday - Organize desk
Friday - Sabbath - rest
Saturday - Grocery shopping, home blessing time, desk work

Home blessing time includes: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, changing linens, and cleaning the glass doors. The kids help out with these things, as does Hubby when need be. He's the chief mopper around these parts!

So that's the plan. Not everything will get done as often or as well as I'd like it to, but you have to set your priorities, you know? And I'm sure there will be times when I don't get everything done on the list, but at least I'll have a plan to fall back on when I'm feeling lost and rushed.
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