Did someone send you an E-Christmas Card this year? With an electronic newsletter? Yeah...I got that too. Its rare that our generation actually uses stamps! Maybe I should go ahead and auto schedule e-cards for the next 10 years to be emailed on Christmas Eve. I bet I can do it from an iphone! Heck I can record video messages and have a soundtrack playing in the background! Not a traditional Christmas song, of course, maybe a pop icon's version of All I Want for Christmas is a Wii. Or Wii Wish You A Merry Christmas. Sometimes I wish we could go back....when there were CAR phones in case of emergency and people actually "caught up" in person, in letters or thru a lengthy phone conversation.
My favorite part of Christmas is coming home and going to the Christmas Eve church service with my family. I have such awesome memories of attending in my pjs as a child and reuniting with old friends as I grew up.
Our church is enormous and has members from all walks of life which is part of what makes it unique and part of what makes it so inviting. Over the past few years, our church has changed...some say "evolved."
This was expected when our original pastor retired and handed over the reigns to his replacement. But now it seems that I barely recognize the church that had such a huge part in framing the christian that I am today.
Now it seems that going to church is more a production than ever before. Complee with programs that advertised upcoming concerts, a 4 minute message from our pastor, the trio that rocked out to an electric guitar and a version of Joy to the World that no one could sing along to and the complete absence of any traditional Christmas hymns. I left feeling disappointed and cheated.
I very much support Praise music in churches. I think it reaches out to those who didn't grow up in a church or who are looking for a more modern/contemporary service. I was raised where we had Praise music during our Wednesday night bible studies or in youth group. It was extremely rare to hear that in "Big Church" as we called it. The women wore dresses, hose and heels and the men wore ties. You dressed up, you sang hymns, you read scripture and you studied the bible. The pastors message reached you and made you think...but the message was scripture and how to apply it.
I can't help but feel that modern churches focus so much time and energy on the performance and production and less on the message.
To me, it's not about the stage lights, the sound board, the band, the video screen (grrr...thats a soap box in itself...i don't want to see advertisements or commercials, tell me what i need in the program) It's not about having the newest cool christian song cause guess what, when you ask me to stand and sing along...if i have to read the video screen for the words that is not cool!).
I miss the days where we would sing as a congregation and you would hear harmony through out the crowd because they were songs we knew by heart. How am I supposed to harmonize if I don't know the melody?
I don't need a glamorous church. I remember when the glamorous aspect to the service was a solo or a small group and maybe a handbell performance. Where has that gone?
I'm tempted to write a note to the new pastor but I'm afraid he won't even read it or care. I think he has plans for this church that include erasing everything that it was except for the real estate.
So how is it, at 28 years old, I suddenly feel like an old person? Where are the churches that have a hymnal in each row that don't collect dust? Are we losing focus? I don't believe in adapting or modernizing the bible to meet our needs....we are supposed to adapt ourselves to meet his needs.
I guess I have to go searching thru podcasts for a video of what church used to be. Should I start in the "oldies" section? Mabye someone will send me another Ecard christmas card or txt me information.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Marley Update
I'm so pleased to announce that we found a home for Marley, just in time for Christmas.
Thanks to all of you who helped and if anyone needs a kitten, we still have several more!
Thanks to all of you who helped and if anyone needs a kitten, we still have several more!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Bad Frys-Good Lesson
Ok, I'm not the person to name call or use my blog for my own benefit but the gloves are off today!!! I have a story to share with you and hope that you will read it and never give Frys Electronics your business afterwards.
Disclaimer: The names have been changed in order to protect the actual crappy people that I dealt with.
I went to my local Frys last week because I am buying the same gift for 3 family members and wanted to get the best value for my money.
I found the department and asked an associate to help me, enter "Corey".
I wont go into the details of the entire experience but to summarize, this is what happened:
I told the sales rep that I had a budget. The first item he suggested for me was $15 over my budget. I reminded him that I had a budget because I'm unemployed and that since I'm buying 3, his item would cost me an additional $45. To which he replied, "yeah but it's only $15 more."
Next, he suggested one that was $5 over my budget so I thanked him for offering to give me $15 to help me cover the overage. He did not laugh and decided I wasn't worth his time. He again reminded me that it was only $5 over my budget. When I reminded him again of my budget, he pointed to what he called "the crappy ones" and started to walk off.
I stopped him by asking him some technical information about one of "the crappy ones" and he said that he wouldn't even know what to tell me about it because, "No one ever buys these and I don't know anything about them." Exit Corey.
Ok friends....here is my beef. Yes, I would absolutely love to buy my friends and family the best and newest Christmas gifts on the market. I would love to have an endless budget where I could adopt a family, provide for my family and help anyone in need this holiday season. But in reality, I haven't had a steady paycheck in 4 months and I'm lucky that I can give any gifts at all. I am saddened by this current situation but I refuse to let it get me down because spending $ is not what this season is about. And when I go to buy a gift for someone, I don't need some crappy salesclerk trying to make me feel like a cheapskate.
So, I called the PIC (Person In Charge) and reached "Peter." I walked Peter thru my unpleasant experience in his store and told him that I didn't appreciate the way "Corey" made me feel. I also told him that I could pretty much guarantee that I wasn't the only person in Frys at that moment who was either unemployed or who was cutting back this year due to the economy.
Peter replied, "Well, you see, we as a company encourage our employees to encourage our customers to spend more in our store. Its called up-selling."
"Thanks Peter for the sales lesson. I'm fully aware of the concept of upselling." I replied.
"Oh good." Peter said as a smart aleck. "So you understand that we, as a company, make more money if our employees encourage spending in our stores."
At this point I wanted to reach thru the phone.
"Yes, Peter. I'm not an idiot. I understand the sales process. And I also understand that if you make your customers feel like crap while executing your 'sales process' you will no longer have customers. And I would think that given our economy and the fact that stores are closing left and right, you would encourage your employees to focus more on meeting the NEEDS of the customer instead of reaching the wallet of the customer."
Peter and I went back and forth and he even had the nerve to tell me that he didn't understand how Corey had hurt my feelings. He eventually said he'd tell Corey to be more sensitive and quickly got me off of the phone. A$$
I then called the Store Manager, the District Manager and the Corporate HQ. Cause I was just that pissed.
I know what you're thinking, dramatic. But after I got off the phone with Peter, I cried the entire way home. This has never happened. And I thought, if someone can have this affect on me and I'm doing fairly well given my situation....what kind of effect will they have on the person that is barely holding it together?
To end on a positive note, I heard back from the sales manager who assured me that was NOT the way their employees or managers were to handle sales or sensitive situations. He apologized profusely and stated that he would have a conversation with all involved.
I don't mean to rant and get everyone down in the dumps a week before Christmas. I do this, in fact, to help. Because this year, more than any other, we are all in this together. We all know someone, are related to someone or are in some way affected by the economy. Whether you are using less electricity/gas this year but paying more, had your savings/investments affected by this economy, know someone who is having a harder time doing the same job, know someone who is without a job, has had their work or pay cut back, or simply scared that they will be in one of the scenarios I mentioned....you recognize that its different this year. And so many people feel like they are on their own, with no one to turn to.
But we are a community, we are neighbors and we all rely on eachother. Whether we celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or nothing at all, times are tough. So this year, more than ever, recognize eachothers effort, recognize the difference that people make in your lives, and recognize the needs, success and hopes of those around you. You might be person that is the straw that broke the camels back...but more importantly, you could be the person that reminds them to keep going, shows them the reason for the season and shows them that they can count on their neighbors, their friends and their community.
So all of you, my neighbors, family and community...I thank you for being there for me. I hope that your needs are met and your wishes are granted this holiday season. And if anyone gives you trouble....give me a call because you know I've got your back!
Disclaimer: The names have been changed in order to protect the actual crappy people that I dealt with.
I went to my local Frys last week because I am buying the same gift for 3 family members and wanted to get the best value for my money.
I found the department and asked an associate to help me, enter "Corey".
I wont go into the details of the entire experience but to summarize, this is what happened:
I told the sales rep that I had a budget. The first item he suggested for me was $15 over my budget. I reminded him that I had a budget because I'm unemployed and that since I'm buying 3, his item would cost me an additional $45. To which he replied, "yeah but it's only $15 more."
Next, he suggested one that was $5 over my budget so I thanked him for offering to give me $15 to help me cover the overage. He did not laugh and decided I wasn't worth his time. He again reminded me that it was only $5 over my budget. When I reminded him again of my budget, he pointed to what he called "the crappy ones" and started to walk off.
I stopped him by asking him some technical information about one of "the crappy ones" and he said that he wouldn't even know what to tell me about it because, "No one ever buys these and I don't know anything about them." Exit Corey.
Ok friends....here is my beef. Yes, I would absolutely love to buy my friends and family the best and newest Christmas gifts on the market. I would love to have an endless budget where I could adopt a family, provide for my family and help anyone in need this holiday season. But in reality, I haven't had a steady paycheck in 4 months and I'm lucky that I can give any gifts at all. I am saddened by this current situation but I refuse to let it get me down because spending $ is not what this season is about. And when I go to buy a gift for someone, I don't need some crappy salesclerk trying to make me feel like a cheapskate.
So, I called the PIC (Person In Charge) and reached "Peter." I walked Peter thru my unpleasant experience in his store and told him that I didn't appreciate the way "Corey" made me feel. I also told him that I could pretty much guarantee that I wasn't the only person in Frys at that moment who was either unemployed or who was cutting back this year due to the economy.
Peter replied, "Well, you see, we as a company encourage our employees to encourage our customers to spend more in our store. Its called up-selling."
"Thanks Peter for the sales lesson. I'm fully aware of the concept of upselling." I replied.
"Oh good." Peter said as a smart aleck. "So you understand that we, as a company, make more money if our employees encourage spending in our stores."
At this point I wanted to reach thru the phone.
"Yes, Peter. I'm not an idiot. I understand the sales process. And I also understand that if you make your customers feel like crap while executing your 'sales process' you will no longer have customers. And I would think that given our economy and the fact that stores are closing left and right, you would encourage your employees to focus more on meeting the NEEDS of the customer instead of reaching the wallet of the customer."
Peter and I went back and forth and he even had the nerve to tell me that he didn't understand how Corey had hurt my feelings. He eventually said he'd tell Corey to be more sensitive and quickly got me off of the phone. A$$
I then called the Store Manager, the District Manager and the Corporate HQ. Cause I was just that pissed.
I know what you're thinking, dramatic. But after I got off the phone with Peter, I cried the entire way home. This has never happened. And I thought, if someone can have this affect on me and I'm doing fairly well given my situation....what kind of effect will they have on the person that is barely holding it together?
To end on a positive note, I heard back from the sales manager who assured me that was NOT the way their employees or managers were to handle sales or sensitive situations. He apologized profusely and stated that he would have a conversation with all involved.
I don't mean to rant and get everyone down in the dumps a week before Christmas. I do this, in fact, to help. Because this year, more than any other, we are all in this together. We all know someone, are related to someone or are in some way affected by the economy. Whether you are using less electricity/gas this year but paying more, had your savings/investments affected by this economy, know someone who is having a harder time doing the same job, know someone who is without a job, has had their work or pay cut back, or simply scared that they will be in one of the scenarios I mentioned....you recognize that its different this year. And so many people feel like they are on their own, with no one to turn to.
But we are a community, we are neighbors and we all rely on eachother. Whether we celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or nothing at all, times are tough. So this year, more than ever, recognize eachothers effort, recognize the difference that people make in your lives, and recognize the needs, success and hopes of those around you. You might be person that is the straw that broke the camels back...but more importantly, you could be the person that reminds them to keep going, shows them the reason for the season and shows them that they can count on their neighbors, their friends and their community.
So all of you, my neighbors, family and community...I thank you for being there for me. I hope that your needs are met and your wishes are granted this holiday season. And if anyone gives you trouble....give me a call because you know I've got your back!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Economical Angel Tree
So I finished the majority of my Christmas shopping this evening at the local mall. I rarely venture into the mall outside of December so it is always a unique experience.
I found a parking place with ease (a benefit of having a teachers schedule) and didn't have to go too far before finding gifts for those "hard to shop for" friends on my list. I bought a coffee with a starbucks card I'd gotten a few weeks ago and was feeling particularly chipper and in the holiday spirit when I found the table where they had the Angel tree. Every year, one of my favorite parts of my holiday is giving back to my community. I haven't had the opportunity to give back this year and since I'm on a tighter budget and experiencing hard times of my own, it was even more important for me to find a way to give back. The Angel tree seemed like the perfect thing.
For those of you who don't know about the Angel tree, many organizations, churches and malls have a tree filled with "angels." These "angels" are children in need and their angel ornament lists their name, sex, age and what they want/need for Christmas. For example, it would say
"Timothy
Boy
11 years old
Shoe size 6
Shirt M
Pant Size 8
Wants educational books, new coat, Spiderman pajamas, teddy bear and Pokemon cards"
I began searching thru the "angels" with the intent to find an angel that wasn't in high demand. The babies are always picked and the kids under the age of 6 or so. Usually its the kids that are older, have requests for clothes (instead of toys) or have unusual sizes that are the last ones left on the tree.
I skimmed over the selection....Katie-13-Digital Camera, Josh-15-PSP, Ginger-14-Ipod Video, Hannah-17-portable DVD player, Cameron-11-Nintendo Wii.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm shopping in a very affluent area but..ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? This tree is supposed to be for children in need. A tree asking for the support of the community to give to those less fortunate and there isn't a single wish/need that can be granted for under $100??? I don't spend that much on my family members, how in the world do you expect me to fit these wishes into my budget?
I don't mean to sound like a Scrooge but who is the person who organized this? Who picks these "needy" children? I'm not saying that these kids can't have big wishes but the point of an angel tree is to truly meet the needs of these children. What good is a Nintendo Wii going to do if they don't have a home, a tv or money to pay the electric bill? What good will that do if they don't have shoes that fit, a coat to keep them warm and toys that will help further their education?
I was so mad when I saw the gift suggestions listed on these ornaments that I walked away without adopting a single angel. And I had such a bad taste in my mouth that I thought about it the entire way home. I want to know who has the nerve to print these requests and hang them on the tree. If there is ever a year to get back to our basic needs, its this year.
It reminds you that in tough times, greed never cuts back. Here's hoping that those who are truly in need this year, this holiday season, are not overlooked by those just looking for a handout.
I found a parking place with ease (a benefit of having a teachers schedule) and didn't have to go too far before finding gifts for those "hard to shop for" friends on my list. I bought a coffee with a starbucks card I'd gotten a few weeks ago and was feeling particularly chipper and in the holiday spirit when I found the table where they had the Angel tree. Every year, one of my favorite parts of my holiday is giving back to my community. I haven't had the opportunity to give back this year and since I'm on a tighter budget and experiencing hard times of my own, it was even more important for me to find a way to give back. The Angel tree seemed like the perfect thing.
For those of you who don't know about the Angel tree, many organizations, churches and malls have a tree filled with "angels." These "angels" are children in need and their angel ornament lists their name, sex, age and what they want/need for Christmas. For example, it would say
"Timothy
Boy
11 years old
Shoe size 6
Shirt M
Pant Size 8
Wants educational books, new coat, Spiderman pajamas, teddy bear and Pokemon cards"
I began searching thru the "angels" with the intent to find an angel that wasn't in high demand. The babies are always picked and the kids under the age of 6 or so. Usually its the kids that are older, have requests for clothes (instead of toys) or have unusual sizes that are the last ones left on the tree.
I skimmed over the selection....Katie-13-Digital Camera, Josh-15-PSP, Ginger-14-Ipod Video, Hannah-17-portable DVD player, Cameron-11-Nintendo Wii.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm shopping in a very affluent area but..ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? This tree is supposed to be for children in need. A tree asking for the support of the community to give to those less fortunate and there isn't a single wish/need that can be granted for under $100??? I don't spend that much on my family members, how in the world do you expect me to fit these wishes into my budget?
I don't mean to sound like a Scrooge but who is the person who organized this? Who picks these "needy" children? I'm not saying that these kids can't have big wishes but the point of an angel tree is to truly meet the needs of these children. What good is a Nintendo Wii going to do if they don't have a home, a tv or money to pay the electric bill? What good will that do if they don't have shoes that fit, a coat to keep them warm and toys that will help further their education?
I was so mad when I saw the gift suggestions listed on these ornaments that I walked away without adopting a single angel. And I had such a bad taste in my mouth that I thought about it the entire way home. I want to know who has the nerve to print these requests and hang them on the tree. If there is ever a year to get back to our basic needs, its this year.
It reminds you that in tough times, greed never cuts back. Here's hoping that those who are truly in need this year, this holiday season, are not overlooked by those just looking for a handout.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Don't Wig Out
There are no words...and no need for them. Sorry, I don't know how to rotate the video:
Monday, December 15, 2008
A Home for Marly
So, my parents have these cats that adopted them. Most of them we've placed with a family or found a no-kill rescue shelter to take them. However, there is one tiny kitten that they can't bear to risk it growing up in a shelter. We named it Marly and she has her first round of shots and has been living in their laundry room for the past 2 weeks. The plan was for my cousin to adopt her but we just found out that my cousin's roommate is allergic.
So...just a little more than a week out from Christmas and Marly is without a home. My parents can't keep her because my brother in law is really allergic and they are coming on the 22nd. PLEASE PLEASE help us find a home for this adorable kitten...she truly is one of the cutest cats I've ever seen.
If you are interested in adopting Marly please email me at theflipsideofthepillow@gmail.com
So...just a little more than a week out from Christmas and Marly is without a home. My parents can't keep her because my brother in law is really allergic and they are coming on the 22nd. PLEASE PLEASE help us find a home for this adorable kitten...she truly is one of the cutest cats I've ever seen.
If you are interested in adopting Marly please email me at theflipsideofthepillow@gmail.com
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As some of you know, I took my certification exam on Tuesday. Monday night there were tornadoes, Tuesday a.m. I woke with my monthly visitor and a cold sore on my lip. I had to drive to Wichita Falls and I drove into a massive cold front. My test took over 3 hours, my brain was shot and the temp had dropped below freezing and it was starting to sleet.
I wasn't able to stop by and see my Granny, big bummer, as I had to get back on the road to make it home before the awful weather caught up with me.
Anyway, I just found out that I PASSED!!!!!!
This means that I can officially be hired at any school (grades 4-8) to teach! I'm so excited!
I wasn't able to stop by and see my Granny, big bummer, as I had to get back on the road to make it home before the awful weather caught up with me.
Anyway, I just found out that I PASSED!!!!!!
This means that I can officially be hired at any school (grades 4-8) to teach! I'm so excited!
Monday, December 8, 2008
crazy lights
In a neighborhood near ours lives this man who goes all out when it comes to Christmas lights. And I mean ALL OUT. He has his own small radio station that he broadcasts from his home and his lights are hooked up to the music. He adds more each year...this video is from last year. Check this out:
Thursday, December 4, 2008
25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18..............
It's no secret that I have a ridiculously girlie taste in TV. Reality, Romance, Trash....I watch it.
And the best time of year for me is ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas and Falalala Lifetime.
Thats right, friends. Every day until Christmas a made for tv movie or otherwise seasonal flick is showing on these channels. Add in an occiasional TLC or WE special and you have yourself some holiday entertainment for the rest of 2008. And, if you have or On Demand, you can watch them at your convenience without paying the extra $14.99 a month for the DVR box! I love it!
So far my favorites are Borrowed Hearts, Christmas Do-Over, Picking Up & Dropping Off (old but good)
And the best time of year for me is ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas and Falalala Lifetime.
Thats right, friends. Every day until Christmas a made for tv movie or otherwise seasonal flick is showing on these channels. Add in an occiasional TLC or WE special and you have yourself some holiday entertainment for the rest of 2008. And, if you have or On Demand, you can watch them at your convenience without paying the extra $14.99 a month for the DVR box! I love it!
So far my favorites are Borrowed Hearts, Christmas Do-Over, Picking Up & Dropping Off (old but good)
Welcome back lights!!
While driving home last night, I noticed that my neighborhood light display is growing as each day passes. It reminded me that I have not gotten a single holiday decoration down from my attic and I am behind big time!!! (notice, I did not say I have a big behind....I said I'm behind in a big way....don't confuse the two)
Anyhow, as soon as I can get my lazy behind off of this sofa, I plan to begin the process of transforming this home into a holiday masterpiece since my momma will be visiting us on Saturday.
This thought brought me back to our last holiday where the formerly nice old man across the street transformed himself into "that guy" and turned his sprinklers on during the trick or treat night of sweets. I'm telling you, his meanness is the reason we didn't have as many ghosts and goblins at our door.
So I'm wondering, as each day passes, if he will continue this streak and become a bah humbug neighbor. He didn't put lights on his house and I don't remember seeing a tree. Hopefully I'm wrong, but if I had to guess what goes on behind that red door of his....I'd think it goes a little like this:
Anyhow, as soon as I can get my lazy behind off of this sofa, I plan to begin the process of transforming this home into a holiday masterpiece since my momma will be visiting us on Saturday.
This thought brought me back to our last holiday where the formerly nice old man across the street transformed himself into "that guy" and turned his sprinklers on during the trick or treat night of sweets. I'm telling you, his meanness is the reason we didn't have as many ghosts and goblins at our door.
So I'm wondering, as each day passes, if he will continue this streak and become a bah humbug neighbor. He didn't put lights on his house and I don't remember seeing a tree. Hopefully I'm wrong, but if I had to guess what goes on behind that red door of his....I'd think it goes a little like this:
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