Yes, the irony is not lost on me that I'm posting this link on Facebook.
I truly enjoy Facebook. It's a way to keep in touch with family and friends, to exchange ideas and encouragement, and it's also the fastest prayer chain I've ever witnessed.
It definitely has its downsides though. People tend to push their beliefs quite a bit, posting links to articles and research that back up their own way of thinking. No one ever seems to put up an article and say, "Wow, I thought the other way until I read this." The breast-feeding proponents post about breastfeeding, the people who immunize post about how immunizations have saved the world, the people who don't immunize post about how immunizations are killing our children. The Democrats post about why they're awesome, the Republicans post about why they are brilliant.
The argument that "I'm posting this so other people will know" also seems a bit thin. Frankly, I've never once changed my viewpoint about anything--no matter how small--due to an article on Facebook. I'm guilty of only reading the ones I already agree with. If you are posting something about which I've already made up my mind in a different way, I'm far more likely to roll my eyes and scroll past. If I truly need to form an opinion about something, Facebook is the LAST place I'm going to go.
I don't mind that people share these articles and opinions, as we live in a free world and I'm a big supporter of free speech. I do mind that people seem to take others' opinions as an invitation to belittle and argue, quite often hijacking the news feed/post of a person who doesn't want their name associated with a giant argument. I suppose this is going to fall under the category of "Can't we all just get along?" In actuality though, it's a good question. Why CAN'T we all just get along? Whatever happened to live and let live?
I think we should take back Facebook. Political arguments, differences of opinion, and general disgruntledness (yes, I'm coining new phrases today) need to be left behind. There are venues for this kind of thing. Facebook should not be one of them. It is easy to hide behind a keyboard--I've found myself typing things that I'd never dream of saying to someone's face in real life. The anonymity of the internet is a breeding ground for hate mongering.
My point is simple--Facebook has the potential to be full of encouragement and kindness, instead of a hotbed of irritation and controversy. Let's use it to that intent. I love to see pictures of your kids, to hear about your daily life, to read uplifting and encouraging things. I truly enjoy engagement announcements, hearing about your new job, and reading the crazy and hilarious things that your kids are saying. I weep with you when you grieve, and knowing you are under the weather gives me a chance to say an extra prayer on your behalf, and perhaps offer to bring you a pot of soup. I want to see photos of the crafty things you've accomplished, or that new puppy you are bringing home. I am also eternally grateful for all the recipes you are posting, as I love to try new things.
I will not join an argument about somebody's parenting choice, or a political viewpoint, or a disagreement about how somebody lives their life. I will also make a greater effort to keep these things off my page, so that people can trust that anything attached to my name will be of a positive nature.
Change always has to start somewhere. I am taking back Facebook. I say that imagining myself standing on top of a giant hill, waving a flag and shouting as hoards of people roar with approval. In actuality, this is a very small thing. But, like I said, we have to start somewhere. And now, if you will excuse me, I have to go surf my newsfeed.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Brain dump
Tonight, all four of my kids went to bed at the same time.
Yes, you read that correctly. And yes, it is a miracle.
As Fr. John had a late night house blessing to get to, I got to clean the kitchen in utter peace and quiet. If you eliminate the cleaning part, it was like a little slice of heaven. In the quiet, my mind wandered in a completely random flight pattern.
For instance, I was thinking about an article I stumbled across some time ago, in which the author was describing her quick and easy 10 minute night-time beauty ritual. Seriously? Ten minutes? My nighttime beauty ritual consists of asking my husband if he still thinks I'm pretty, then passing out and drooling on my pillow. 15 seconds, tops.
Also on my mind was the movie Frozen. I love that movie. I have the song "Let it Go" on my phone, and am made fun of by other adult members of my home (*cough Fr. John cough*) for listening to it repeatedly. What can I say? It's a great song. Catchy lyrics. The only thing I don't like about that part in the movie is that when Elsa "lets it go" she transforms her dress into this icy blue, skin-tight concoction with a thigh-high slit in the front and a ten foot train in the back. I don't know about anybody else, but if I was building my own ice castle in the mountains, away from everybody and relishing the solitude, I'd transform my clothes into a pair of sweat pants a tank top. To be fair, I'd also use my magic to create an unending cup of Dr. Pepper in one hand, and a giant bowl of cookie dough in the other. Or maybe chocolate pudding. Or both. Yes, let's go with both.
Speaking of movies, one of my all time favorites has to be Last of the Mohicans. Once at the grocery store, Fr. John and I had to split up for some reason. He walked away, and called over his shoulder, "I'll find you." I wanted to grab onto him and cry, "No! Say it like Daniel Day-Lewis! 'I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far...I will find you!'" Unfortunately, I chickened out. My husband's tolerance for my shenanigans--while seemingly infinite--does have it's bounds, and I suspect this may have crossed over into his grey area. Also, as he didn't watch this movie and sigh nearly as much as I did as a teenager, he may not have understood the reference anyway.
It's now 9 pm, and as my day began at 6:15 this morning in a flurry of baby barf and an exploding diaper, I think I'll end it now. Trying to go to bed is the quickest way to wake up my infant son, so I figure if he gets it out of his system now, I may not have to get up with him again until 1 or 2.
Good night Wesley, sleep tight. I'll most likely kill you in the morning. (Name that movie!)
Yes, you read that correctly. And yes, it is a miracle.
As Fr. John had a late night house blessing to get to, I got to clean the kitchen in utter peace and quiet. If you eliminate the cleaning part, it was like a little slice of heaven. In the quiet, my mind wandered in a completely random flight pattern.
For instance, I was thinking about an article I stumbled across some time ago, in which the author was describing her quick and easy 10 minute night-time beauty ritual. Seriously? Ten minutes? My nighttime beauty ritual consists of asking my husband if he still thinks I'm pretty, then passing out and drooling on my pillow. 15 seconds, tops.
Also on my mind was the movie Frozen. I love that movie. I have the song "Let it Go" on my phone, and am made fun of by other adult members of my home (*cough Fr. John cough*) for listening to it repeatedly. What can I say? It's a great song. Catchy lyrics. The only thing I don't like about that part in the movie is that when Elsa "lets it go" she transforms her dress into this icy blue, skin-tight concoction with a thigh-high slit in the front and a ten foot train in the back. I don't know about anybody else, but if I was building my own ice castle in the mountains, away from everybody and relishing the solitude, I'd transform my clothes into a pair of sweat pants a tank top. To be fair, I'd also use my magic to create an unending cup of Dr. Pepper in one hand, and a giant bowl of cookie dough in the other. Or maybe chocolate pudding. Or both. Yes, let's go with both.
Speaking of movies, one of my all time favorites has to be Last of the Mohicans. Once at the grocery store, Fr. John and I had to split up for some reason. He walked away, and called over his shoulder, "I'll find you." I wanted to grab onto him and cry, "No! Say it like Daniel Day-Lewis! 'I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far...I will find you!'" Unfortunately, I chickened out. My husband's tolerance for my shenanigans--while seemingly infinite--does have it's bounds, and I suspect this may have crossed over into his grey area. Also, as he didn't watch this movie and sigh nearly as much as I did as a teenager, he may not have understood the reference anyway.
It's now 9 pm, and as my day began at 6:15 this morning in a flurry of baby barf and an exploding diaper, I think I'll end it now. Trying to go to bed is the quickest way to wake up my infant son, so I figure if he gets it out of his system now, I may not have to get up with him again until 1 or 2.
Good night Wesley, sleep tight. I'll most likely kill you in the morning. (Name that movie!)
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
February Meals
I decided to attempt a month's worth of meal planning and shopping this time around. So far, so good. After a mammoth grocery shopping day (it was nuts), I spent yesterday prepping as much as I could and filling my freezer. Here's the list for the month!
Crockpot Beef tips and gravy (recipe here), Mashed Potatoes, Salad
Tacos
Honey Mustard Chicken, Rice, Broccoli
French Bread Pizza (recipe here), Salad
Waffles, Fruit
Chef Salad
Mojave Macaroni (recipe here), Salad
Crockpot Teriyaki Pork Loin (recipe here), Rice, Snap Peas and Carrots
Chicken Pockets (recipe here), Corn on the Cob, Fruit
Honey Balsamic Chicken (recipe here), Alfredo Pasta, Broccoli
Fried Steak Strips, Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
Cheeseburger Wraps (recipe here), Fruit
Crockpot Pulled Pork, Rolls, Cucumbers and Carrots
Pork Chops, Pasta, Carrot Souffle
Shrimp and Feta Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad
Grilled Cheese (this version for the grownups!), Salad
Baked Potatoes and Broccoli with Cheese, Fruit
Burritos, Rice, Carrot Sticks
Pancakes, Fruit
Crockpot Beef tips and gravy (recipe here), Mashed Potatoes, Salad
Tacos
Honey Mustard Chicken, Rice, Broccoli
French Bread Pizza (recipe here), Salad
Waffles, Fruit
Chef Salad
Mojave Macaroni (recipe here), Salad
Crockpot Teriyaki Pork Loin (recipe here), Rice, Snap Peas and Carrots
Chicken Pockets (recipe here), Corn on the Cob, Fruit
Honey Balsamic Chicken (recipe here), Alfredo Pasta, Broccoli
Fried Steak Strips, Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
Cheeseburger Wraps (recipe here), Fruit
Crockpot Pulled Pork, Rolls, Cucumbers and Carrots
Pork Chops, Pasta, Carrot Souffle
Shrimp and Feta Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad
Grilled Cheese (this version for the grownups!), Salad
Baked Potatoes and Broccoli with Cheese, Fruit
Burritos, Rice, Carrot Sticks
Pancakes, Fruit
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