Sunday, October 28, 2012

Psychology 101

At a recent stop at the Goodwill, I discovered they had lowered the price of every book to $.49.  2 books for a buck - no way!  I spent a few minutes hours in the stacks and grabbed some that intrigued me.  I'm not an avid reader, but I like to have books on hand for the very occasional quiet evening or boring wait in the car.  I spotted this book in a retail store earlier and it caught my eye.  Ok, it was probably just the red/white cover, but I couldn't resist when the price was only 49cents. 

strengths-book

A great concept - instead of being miserable that you don't excel in certain areas - use your strengths or natural talents to succeed.  A key part of this book is an online test that the reader takes to identify their strengths.  There is a one-time code that accesses the test and my bargain book's code had already been used.  However I found a similar test here.  Interesting results.

Milah and I are similar in strengths, with our greatest weakness being salesmanship (big surprise).  Maren's top strength was salesmanship (go figure) and it was close to the top of Sten's list as well. Scott has blown off the exercise entirely - sure that's gotta mean something.  Try it out - it's kind-a fun.

While you're at it - take the Jung Personality test too - you will be shocked at how "right on" the descriptions are.

Milah is a duty fulfiller: capable, logical, reasonable and an effective individual with a deeply driven desire to promote security and peaceful living.  Maren is an inspirer: charming, ingenuous, risktaking, sensitive, people oriented individual with capabilities ranging a broad spectrum.  Sten is the doer: practical, observant, fun loving, spontaneous risk taker with an excellent ability to quickly improvise an innovative solution to a problem.  Scott is a mechanic and I am an idealist.  All these misfits under one roof.  I think they call that a "family". 

Straight Jacket Sunday




I'm not fond of mice.  We've covered that already. 

Yesterday, we rode in Katrina (the ghost riddled Mercedes wagon) to Milah's soccer game.  Upon exiting the vehicle - Scott spotted a small mouse on the passenger floorboard.  He quickly escorted it from the car, while I shivered and screached.

On the way home, I heard a small squeak - glanced at my feet and spotted another mouse.  The screaming escaped my terrified lips and somehow I levitated my person so I was nearly parallel with the ceiling - demanding the car be stopped immediately.  Unreasonable reaction?  Uhhh, I don't think so.

This afternoon, we spotted another mouse - this time on the driver's side. 

Three meeces?  I'm so over that car. 

I'm gonna fill it with traps and poison cuz if one of those little creatures drops on my foot while I'm driving, there will be carnage on the freeway. 

Sten has fittingly renamed the car - the "Mousedes". It's going cheap folks, any takers?  

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Say Cheese!




If I'm not mistaken, these look like senior pictures.  How can that be?  Sten was not too eager to do a photo shoot, but he smiled real perty, don'tcha think?  We plan to take some on the farm, but are waiting for better weather.  Now a shout out to the guy behind the lens . . . check out his blog.  Thanks Larry!  Love you Stennie Winnie Boo Boo

Friday, October 19, 2012

Critter Patrol

 A recent special visitor noticed some gopher holes in our yard.  He got busy trying to catch the critters and did not come up empty handed - what a prize!

Checking traps with his assistant

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Clean Up in Corvallis


 Our school district has gone to a 4 day school week this year -  which means Fridays off! Today, our plan was to meet up with the Bucks crew as they prepped toilets for the OSU game tomorrow.  We arrived in town a little early and spotted Benny Beaver walking down the street.



 
Clean and freshly stocked with TP, thanks to Milah
 
 
 
Go BEAVERS!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

It's a no go . . .


She's not known for her beauty - but this has been a good rig. 

Luxury? no 
Status car? definitely not
Running? errr, no

The reliable green bean (otherwise named the mommy missile by Sten's friends), came to a stall the other night.

This Escort wagon is was a rocket ship. She's been with me for two personal visits with the sheriff (thanks for the tickets, officer) and has gone many miles this summer.  For all her faults (no electric windows/door locks or cruise control) - she has an enormous plus.  You can pull away from the gas pump with a smile on your face instead of tears streaming down your cheeks. 

So for now - I'm back to Katrina. 
Hello status car
Hello luxury
Hello cruise control
Hello tears at the gas pump. 

Scott has threatened to get a Prius - but then I'd have to get an Obama bumper sticker and I just can't make that leap.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Fabric Hoarder?

 
How does one quick trip to the fabric store for some elastic end with this?  So the fabric store was closing and they were offering discounts on everything.  Ummm, I couldn't escape. Notice there is no elastic - it was sold out.
 
 It doesn't help that I recently discovered this site and couldn't get these skirts out of my head.  Apparently they sell this adorable clothing at home parties where they feature trunk shows.  I'd love to attend one, but probably better stay clear. 


How 'bout a few of us get together and try to whip up our own versions.  I have some fabric!