Look what I drove to work today!

Not ours - a BIG thank you to our friend John Lake who is letting us borrow his Honda Element for the weekend. We are going camping near Modoc, SC so John is driving Alan's Tacoma for the weekend so we can try out the Element.

In Praise of Dave

Saturday morning and Alan and I sit down to do the dreaded BUDGET (which should be a four letter word). Only at our house it's called a Spending Plan and we tell our money where to go.

Our life has changed dramatically in this area in the last year. Last spring at church (see Newspring.cc link) we took the Financial Peace University class. In 13 weeks Dave Ramsey equipped us with new skills to manage our money, to talk about finances and to get on the same page about our financial goals. It is INCREDIBLE how much peace we are experiencing in our relationship now about money.

We highly recommend Dave Ramsey (see link at right) and his books, classes and radio show. If you are struggling with money (or lack of it) and it is affecting your relationships, PLEASE give Dave a chance to help you.

Good luck!

Mama

I spent a large part of yesterday with my mom. Since my dad died last month, I have felt the need to spend a lot of time with her, not for her but for me. My mom is doing great adjusting to life without Daddy. I think she might be in the same stage of grief I am, exhausted relief that his struggle is over. I can't yet think back to the MEMORY making moments I shared with him. I can only remember how hard it has been the last two years, especially the last 4-5 months. And yesterday I was struck with how much my mom and I are alike. When we drove up in the yard she had her hands on her hips, communicating in a way I know I use. I think like her. I have fits like her. OK, maybe I should say I am energized like she is. I rush off and do crazy things, like leaving people at a party (: I am bossy like her, opinionated and unrestrained at times. I love my mom and that love for her has made it easy for me to love myself. And maybe it made it easier for my dad to love me too, because I was so much like her. Of course, my mom drives me crazy at times, but usually the things I don't like about her are really things I don't like about myself. So the love/loathe thing works both ways. My mom is awesome. I am proud of her and lucky that she is my mama.

Recipe - don't faint!

Me, of all people, posting a recipe. No way! Yes, this is my favorite meal to make for me and Alan. The ingredients can stay on the shelf for months and then it can be ready in ten minutes.

Ingredients:
One box of couscous (this is a grain you steam; find near the rice/pasta)
Can of chicken (find near cans of tuna; I buy the bigger size)
Optional additions: feta cheese, golden raisins, sliced or slivered almonds (toasted if you like), chick peas (a friend suggested today; I've not tried this yet), bag of salad greens

Directions:
Cook the couscous by the box directions (I boil water in the microwave and then add grain and cover to steam 5 minutes. Fluff w/ fork)
Open can of chicken, drain, add to skillet pre-warmed over medium w/ a little olive oil; cook until dry and crispy.
On my plate I layer the salad greens, some couscous, top w/ chicken and add golden raisins, feta and almonds. Alan skips the salad base. And of course I'm sure there are many other delicious ingredients you could add.
Generally this recipe makes 3-4 servings, enough for us to eat dinner and me to take for lunch the next day. Very filling, delicious and healthy too! Enjoy!!