Penny pinching at home...

It appears that Dave and I will have to cut back on our expenses. This means that the dog and cat will have to start contributing to housework and stop making housework. Also, we will be tying fans to their tails in lieu of air conditioning. Worse comes to worse, we do have two lovely roast beasts.

Seriously though, Dave and I have been horrible on our spending, and we really need to cut back on eating out. Mostly we pick stuff up instead of cooking, which is horrible. I suggest some cheaper grocery stores and no more quick pickup meals. Lots more deli meat for sandwiches.

We are good at setting a budget, just hard to stick to it in real life. Abby won't mind doing the dishes for a while, but I would like plates without dog slobber.

Any ideas HOW to stick to our budget without going insane?

I don't glow in the dark, and you won't either.

After my lovely 5 days off in a row (the not quite a vacation vacation,) I head back into work today.

Sometimes the last thing I ever want to do is go to work. It is not that I hate my job, because I don't. It is just the fact that I have to work for a living and cannot live like a cat or dog, you know, the good life. I really enjoy what I do, I love taking care of patients and making their exams the best I can for them.

It is scary to be in the hospital. You don't know what is going on, and sometimes the doctors order all these tests and you don't know what they are and what they are for. Even a routine chest x-ray can frighten patients. I tell them that it is a screening tool that most doctors use when you come into the hospital, or come for surgery and it can tell you a lot of things. Also, they want a baseline for your admission should the situation change, that means get worse OR better. It is almost as routine as a CBC (that is a complete blood count, the most simple blood test there is.) A good rule of thumb is to never, ever lie to your patients. They always find out the truth.

Most people don't realize that the amount of radiation they receive from a chest x-ray is the equivalent to flying one hour in an airplane. Most people never hesitate to fly, but yet they question an x-ray the doctor orders. In other words, it is not that much radiation. Pilots and stewardesses get more radiation in their job than I do in mine.

And for the last time, x-rays do NOT make you glow in the dark! You would not believe how many times I hear people say this. Sometimes they are joking, but many times people are serious, they truly don't know this.

One of my favorite things to do is show kids what their insides look like on the x-rays. Most of them like it, and I encourage them to bring the x-rays to show and tell at school. I like to point out all the important parts to them; like in a chest x-ray: these lines are your ribs, these boxes are your spine, and this gray blob is your heart, the black area under the ribs is all the air in your lungs. Truthfully, I think many adults wish I would do that for them too.

What I cannot do is "read" your x-rays. That is up to the radiologist to do. He is a doctor, I am a technologist. Two years of school for me verses a billion years for the doctors, trust me you want them to read your films. Yes, I can see obvious fractures, but I bet you can too if I showed you the picture. Those are usually the people who come in with their arm going in two separate directions asking if it is broken before we take the x-ray, we can usually say yes, especially when the bone comes out through the skin, that is not normal.

I grew up being taught that the only dumb question is the one unasked. So, go ahead and ask me, because I don't mind. If I don't know I will say it. Some things I just cannot answer, or are better asked of your nurse or doctor, so don't be mad if I say so. Just don't ask if you will glow in the dark because I already answered that one.

Sentimentally yours

After my cousin's wedding on Saturday, I got sentimental. First, I have to say that Tammy was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. Maybe it is because of the sparkle in her eyes, maybe just because she is... I don't know. Mike is one lucky guy. Too many highlights, plus it is not my story to tell. Just know that I had a blast and am truly blessed to have Tammy as my cousin, and I loved being her bridesmaid.

Sunday was Father's Day and Megan, Dave and I threw a BBQ at my dad's house. Dave's folks also came by, and we had a good time hanging out and eating yummy food. Megan made dad's favorite cookies and I got to bring some home (lucky me!) Abby also got to hang out with Rugby and Daisy, so it truly was a family outing.

Today I had plans to hang with a friend, but the power went out and changed her plans. I ended up at my dad's house looking at my wedding photos on his computer (my DVD drive is busted on my computer, so I had to go somewhere else!) Then I went shopping for some scrapbook stuff. I feel like I didn't do much. I only say this because it is a "vacation day" for me, and I didn't have to work. The rain doesn't help my mood any either.

I am feeling sentimental, and looking forward to getting these photos I am having printed back tomorrow. I am looking forward to ordering more and doing my wedding album. I can't wait to see Tammy's photos when they are available.

I am so glad that I got married. I know it sounds cheesy, and some people don't get it. It's okay because I do, and that is all that matters. Dave and I looked at each other a lot during Tammy's ceremony. I hope I always carry that feeling of being in love in my heart, that this is not a "honeymoon" phase. I think it will as long as we never stop growing. Looking back and being sentimental is a way to appreciate how far we have come.

Man, have we come far...

Not starving and other reasons to read the Bible

This picture came in an email to me, along with a few other funny ones. We just finished the "Eat this Book" series at church, where we learn that God's intention is for us to consume his word. It blows my mind how many people, even Christians alone, do NOT read the Bible on a daily, or even weekly basis. Many people rely on hearing the word in church, or just don't even read it except maybe on Christmas or Easter. I rarely did a while back. Something happened when I did start to read it. Things started making sense, my life started to change. I am actually almost done with reading my Bible all the way through for the second time. The first time, I journaled along with most of it. This time I just kind of soaked it in and read without having to journal, most of it at my bed before sleeping. I am in Matthew, finally having read the whole of the Old Testament.

Now, if Bible reading is a new thing for you, don't start at Genesis and plow through. You get stuck at Exodus or Leviticus. My suggestion is to pick a gospel and start there. The first time, I started with Luke. Many other people suggest John. Then go on, Romans is really good. If you are ready to try Old Testament, go with the Psalms or Proverbs, maybe even Ecclesiastes first. Some people even read a Proverb chapter a day (there are 31 chapters.) I also really like Ester. (Ok, I like a LOT of the Bible, its hard for me to pick!)

Some people won't like me for saying this, but if you get stuck, skip it. Yes, Numbers is the most boring chapter in the whole book. Or, you can "yada yada" yourself until you come upon a story. The famous book, The Prayer of Jabez, was written about an obscure guy mentioned that I never would have found if I hadn't said "yada yada" through all the names of people. Who cares who "so and so" begot?

Once you start to become familiar with the Bible, the stories are important and eventually you will begin to care what "so and so's" name is. Maybe you won't, but my point is -- don't let it stop you from reading the best book ever!

Is the language a problem? I highly suggest trying The Message or another paraphrase of the Bible. I bought mine almost two weeks ago, started at Matthew, and I am up to James now. I can't say enough to tell you how fresh this is to me.

I wish you could feel the change in my heart and mind since I started to read the Bible. It would make you pick it up today! I just feel so awesome about having God's word in my heart and on my mind. I learn so much about God, who he is and who I am because I choose to follow Jesus. I see how I should be living my life and how screwed up this world is. I see that life is never easy, but there is always love. Having read the OT, I see all the prophecy Jesus fulfills, and all the scripture that He quotes and it helps me to understand why it is so important that Jesus died for me.

This is radical, revolutionary, completely different from what you see on TV. This is God direct, in HD, on a personal channel just for you. You want God to speak to you? Ask Him, then open up his word and read. I guarantee you God will speak to you if you are willing to listen. It might even scare the hell out of you...

Taming the tongue

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. (Proverbs 18:21 NLT)

I ended my last post with that, and realized how often I end up like this cute little hamster here, shoving a carrot in my mouth to shut up.

I don't always say the best things. My tongue sometimes has a mind of its own. (Or my fingers in the case of the computer...)

So that has been on my mind. I realize I am a strait talker. I come off harsh, loud, brash. People who know me, really know me, know that I don't mean any harm. I come off as bossy. What happens when you put a bossy sounding person with someone who doesn't like it? Sparks fly. I don't mean anything of it, I don't mean to be bossy.

I really am trying to change. I am trying to have more intention with my words. Here are some verses I need to ponder... how about you?

Proverbs 13:3 "Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything."

Proverbs 15:1-2 "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

Proverbs 15:26 "The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words."

Proverbs 21:23 "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble."

Matthew 15:11 "It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”

Romans 10:9-10 "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."

James 3:2-11 "Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring."

That is a lot of words, but all from God. I guess I have to put my tongue in His hands, and also do much biting.

Unapologetically me

Recently I sent out an e-mail survey. It read " Describe me in one word.... just one single word. Send it to me and to me only."
I thought I would share the results with you. How daring am I? These are random order.

Energetic, dependable, caring, fun, bubbley, caring, NUTS!, wonderful, caring, supercalifragelisticexpialidocious, spiritual.


What a list! Now it's your turn! If you read my blog, please drop me a comment using only one word to describe me. Feel free to do so anonymously. Especially if it is about my horrible ugly picture.


Other terms used to describe me from random saved emails: Dr Shelley, You have a real knack for writing and story telling, You are a wonderful young lady, and you enriched my life,I think you are a kind, intelligent, and fun person Shelley, You are CRAZY! And I love you!you are such an incredible friend.you're a freak,Love ya...you have excellent taste in best friends, intelligent, great potential in life, Thank you so much for your prayers!!

I decided to do this because my self-esteem really needed it. Also, I wanted to show how kind words mean so much to me. Kind words mean so much to many people. So after you comment, send others some kind words that they need to hear...

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. (Proverbs 18:21 NLT)

What's in your brown bag?

It was great, because this weekend I got to sit through service twice, with different speakers each time. Saturday was Tim Sutherland (at the Yellow Box 5pm), and Sunday was Janet McMahon (DownTown 11am). The message was about how important it is to read the Bible every day, and that God intended for us to live on His word, not just food. This goes along with my post about life's instruction book.

Back in the Old Testament days, yes the days of Moses, the people relied on Manna for food while wandering in the wilderness. Manna (Hebrew for "what is it") was a food that God provided, but it had to be gathered daily, and you could only keep enough for the day because it would be rotten and full of maggots the next morning (yummy... think of bad chinese in your refrigerator.) So what does that matter for today? Well, today we need to gather our spiritual nourishment daily. This means we are supposed to dine on a course of the Bible, or God's word every day. Deuteronomy 8:3 says "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD."

Think about it. Every day we turn on the TV and are "fed" things that tell us how to lead our lives. Buy this shampoo, drive that car, eat here, shop there, watch this, look like her, live life like this guy. Don't watch TV? How about radio, magazines, newspapers, billboards, comments people say? You cannot avoid it. Everywhere you go, the world is telling you how to live and what to do, wear, look like, eat and feel.

God has plans for us that are better than the world. How are you going to know what God has planned for you if you ignore what He has to say and only listen to the world? Every day the world throws bad ideas at us. God wants us to get His word FRESH everyday, so our brain, our souls, do not get full of maggots.

In Deuteronomy 11:18 God commands us "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." Solomon instructs us in Proverbs 6:21-23 "Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life." Psalm 119:11 writes "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

Why not listen to the world, how can billions of people be wrong? John writes (2:15-17) "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."

On a personal note, the more that I read the Bible, the better I feel. I take lessons and apply them to my life and it works! God's way really is better! Don't just take my word for it, pack a little in your brown bag every day. Give it a try.