Old hat

Life revisited: painful but fun. I used to have a blog. And before that I had a good old fashioned journal. As you can see below, I like to quote myself from previous journals, in whatever journal method is current. To, as I say below, "realize that you may HAVE grown in the past 3 years! Thank God." Ha ha, try over 5 years little K8.
This is a Xanga entry from August 2006. ...

Answered Prayer

"Well it is pretty much official; I am an only child. Zack moved to Tucson this morning and left me behind forever." - The Diary of Kate Fink 10:00 p.m. 08-22-03 (This is me, in my xanga, quoting a journal from 3 years previous haha)

Almost three years ago I sat in the back seat of the truck, turned up Avril Lavign as loud as I could, and cried. The 3 years that stretched before me seemed an eternity...long hours and days, with my parents...I was a tragic case of lonely for almost a full year. I know this from re-reading my journal from this time. There is nothing like an old journal to make you realize that you may HAVE grown in the past 3 years! Thank God.

So, this is the-Week, the week I have been praying for, for SO long. The week I just assumed would NEVER come because I wanted it so much. Well, I survived high school. I am now motivated, dedicated and ecstaticly awaiting my start at the University of Arizona!

Just to give all my dear friends an idea of how I am preparing myself, here is few of my MISSION STATEMENTS to keep my focused on aspects of my life such as my spiriutal, academic and relationship lives. Please don't condemn these kate-originals...I tried.

Spiritual: I ultimately desire to serve God to the best of my fallible ability; striving to put my personal relationship with Christ as well as my spiritual, theological, and doctrinal development first in every aspect of my life. SEMPER REFORMANDA!

Academic: Academic priorities must remain at a heightened level of sensitivity at all times. Habitually and enthusiastically perfecting grades, study habits, and overall academic knowledge; never forgoing the common sense approach of critical thinking and wisdom found beyond secular teachings and textbooks. Spiritually analyzing and applying learned academia to outside research, conversations, and life.

Relationships: Any and all feelings and actions towards members of the opposite sex must be a non-existing entity, in as much avoiding any and all emotional drama; unless otherwise specified by parental units. If any type of group maintained friendship ensues, it must remain indifferently platonic; all flirting and eye contact is prohibited save in any preconceived decision, and/or any extremely caffeinated situation.

Ok, so we all know the last one is a little jaded, I still like J as most of you know, but the whole 'remain indifferently platonic' still holds true in that situation.

So, to my high school years which I thought would never pass, you will not be missed. Hello, new phase of life...God DOES answer prayers, in His Time, His Will etc.

Luvsyas

k8

So as you can see..... My biggest goal in life was getting out of high school (as a homeschooled person this is hilarious) and go to college. I also loved my brother very much, desired to serve God, kick butt in school, and liked a guy named J.

I love those little Mission Statements. My spiritual goals wouldn't change much at present; my doctrinal development still has much to be desired!

My academic ones are laughable as I turned out to be a U Of A drop out... funny as you can see above it is what I had longed for SO long! And God had other plans, and thought for K8, learning the hard way was the most effective method... ugh I hate Latin. And I only like reading mythology for fun.

ahhh relationships. The guy referred to as J (NOT MY HUSBAND JOSEPH) was not an "indifferently platonic" relationship, but ended as only high-school relationships can end: Dramatically, tragically and with broken hearts. Flirt, I did for a few months in college, caffeinated it's true, because I didn't drink with the rest of them. But God kept a pretty tight reign on me, 12 months after this post was published, I was in pursuit of my current career as an LMT, I had just met my husband, and would be engaged a few months later to a godly man who seemed to reign in my 'wild' side. Joseph brings out the realistic, capable, and confident side of me.

So, wonder where 5 years from now I'll be?

A new year always makes me contemplative about the future and the past. Thankfully, I never mourn about the way things used to be, the present state of life God has me in always far superior to where I thought I was going. Go figure.

"For xgodly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas yworldly grief produces death" ~ 2 Corinthians 7:10

randomonium

After Christmas with the Fink's on the 23rd, the Faiths on hte 24/25...we had our own Faith Christmas celebration complete with leftover wine (from Thanksgiving) Dark Chocolate, my new Snuggie and the Final Harry Potter movie. Oh and Sniper joined in the fun of course.

What a handsome kitty he is... minus these cuts on his chin he keeps getting, once this antibitoic runs out he had better stop getting them! I don't know what he is playing with that's so sharp!
The best thing about the Holidays is time spent with my family. I am happy for every moment snuggled on the coach with my hubby...then tucked into mom and dad's spare room and waking up to the noisy laughter and cut ups of my brother next door. I love the creative gift ideas, (including my Newsies sheet music!) and the theology books exchanged every year. I love the cookies and the fellowship. Christmas parties with the church that include a cranberry martini, might be an added tradition in the years to come! And the Faith family get together's become more and more enjoyable as I integrate into their traditions.

Although, nothing beats my old school schedule and multiple weeks off for watching Christmas movies and baking, but I am sure not all my years to come will be as hectic as this year was. However, clients and continuous work are on my Thanksgiving list of course so no complaints here!

Getting excited about bringing in the new year....

I tried....

I meant to post this a while ago. Oh, well.

I LOVE to read blogs....sometimes they inspire emotionally, spiritually or palate-ally?? is that a word ?? anyways I love http://nodesperatehausfrau.blogspot.com/ she is inspiring in her commitment to her walk with the Lord, her husband, and being a great homemaker. And I feel as if I KNOW her thanks to Sierra Vista's 4 degrees of separation...haha

She posted a delcious looking recipe a while back, perfect for hard-working, busy husbands. http://nodesperatehausfrau.blogspot.com/2011/11/supply-and-demand.html. She whipped it together to freeze for her hubby during the week. So effortless and they looked delicious!

I wanted to do the same.....

I NEVER make cooking look easy...

They were tiny...mis-shappen.... and they took me over 3 hours. Yes.....3 ... hours. Cara I may not be, but my hubby did think they were delicious! Just not an entire afternoon delicious.....

This just goes to show me, that I need to practice...cooking should be like learning piano right? 12 years of classical training and I still can't sit down and play "Happy Birthday" ..... yikes.

:-)

ouch

"Prayer is not simply getting things from God, that is a most initial form of prayer; prayer is getting into perfect communion with God. If the Son of God is formed in us by regeneration, He will press forward in front of our common sense and change our attitude to the things about which we pray." --Oswald Chambers

Teaching me still.... and oh how my prayers have changed in the past year. Although I am still utterly amazed with how I seem to beg God for answers, when prayer isn't about the results. It's about the time spent with the Lord, and enjoying all that brings! Why does that get so shelved in my life? An odd sinner this girl is...

"We lean to our own understanding, or we bank on service and do away with prayer, and consequently by succeeding in the external we fail in the eternal, because in the eternal we succeed only by prevailing prayer. "--Oswald Chambers

Thank you Oswald Chambers for the nice wake up call.

Prayer and Petition

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." ~Psalm 34:4

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours. ~Mark 11:24

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desired of your heart." ~Psalm 37:4

They say red cars have the highest rate of theft...

My car was stolen today.... Miss Cherry Ames..

And I got her BACK! It was a complicated mess, with the best case scenario turn out, because I have a graciuos, gracious heavenly Father!

So far, it looks like a homeless woman wandering the church courtyard (spotted and spoken to by pastor) took my keys out of my bag in the Sunday school room during church, and drove my car to a liquor store. Unfortunately by purse was in my car.

After sunday school, I couldn't find my keys, many church members were helping until one of my friends went looking to see if they fell out of my bag in the parking lot, and my car was gone! My phone indicated missed messages from my husband, who had seen some strange liquor store purchases on our account. Thank goodness my husband knows i don't generally frequent the liquor store during church hours!

I immediately cancelled all credit cards, and notified the police.

I felt so violated, but was surprisingly calm. After having my dad in the hospital last year, something as trivial as a car theft seems a bit silly for me to freak out over.

However, I am so grateful for the support of my church. Two men from church went looking for my car.. and FOUND it! Keys laying the cup holder, purse and everything still there! (well, about $60 cash from a good tip week was missing, and my red aluminum card case and credit/debit cards) And Miss Ames was perfectly in tact! Not a scratch! Steelers dice still swaying in the windshield, even the driver's seat hadn't been adjusted! My driver's license, which had been in my purse, was shut up in the middle console. I thanked God that I cleaned out my ipod and some accumulated sundries that morning from my car!

Within 4 hours of my car being stolen, between Joseph and some church guys, they found my car, ID'd the woman who took it, locating the video tape and exact transaction time she used my card ( a clear videotaped picture of her using my red aluminum wallet)

So minus some cash, and a few transactions at Walmart, Frys, and the liquor store that won't be charged against us because of our timely cancellations, this was the 'best case care theft scenario.'

After we settled everything the cops showed up and finalized the details. They were impressed my car hadn't been trashed. I think it even looked cleaner, I wonder if she vacuumed for me??

God gives us material things, they are gifts not rites. I am glad that being faced with the fact i may not have had transportation during this crazy 4 job time for my family, I managed to 'sorta' keep it together as I waited for the Lord to show me His divine plan for today. Only He can grant that peace and comfort during a trial like that.

So, similar to how I felt after being rear ended at the beginning of the year, I feel nervous and skittish, but this too shall pass. And, if anything, as my husband says, maybe I finally learned to NOT leave my purse in the car.....oops

Fabulous

The past few days have offered a wide variety of time with my husband.

on October 30 we celebrated a wonderful pre-Reformation Day celebration with Grace church and Covenant (our church) with a picnic at Huachuca Oaks in SV. FUN! Lots of fun food and fellowship! And I loved having my two church families collide. My brother and lovely sister-in-law also came down from PX to celebrate.

Sunday, for the 4th year in a row i helped with the Making Stride Against Breast Cancer event providing free massage to the survivors which is always fun. And then in the afternoon Joseph and I enjoyed seeing the Tucson Ballet perform.
This week I made an new batch of pico de gallo, salad, and mixed veggie salad fixins' ...we grilled up some chicken last night and enjoyed a glass of wine for the first time in ages.
It has been glorious having such 'down' time with hubby. Our lazy morning included the early bird special at a movie theater and lunch a Skee ball tournament.

Life is good. The situation is a bit stressful in the sense that we kind of feel like we are in limbo transition......
Here is a cute example of my husband in a daily basis. I think this is his 'stressin' bit, but he says playing with his hair is just.. SOOOTHING....
He mumbles at the end something about "why are you making fun of me" which I was NOT. ;-)

hm

Now that I have been investing more time into our house, Joseph and I were excited to start being a bit more hospitable.
And yesterday was the first time we've hosted in quite a while; the 'church guys.' We had a blast, I did most of the prepping and cleaning, but this time it was Joseph who did most of the cooking. Steaks on our grill, green and yellow squash, green beans, & corn. YUM. chips and my home-made pico de gallo, and cheesecake brownies for dessert!

We had such a fun time of fellowship and fun, however, the damper on the day was Pittsburgh losing their game :( Sad pandas all around.

And then Joseph and I enjoyed a nice quiet evening together. We watched a documentary, which spurred bedtime debates. And this morning he's off to his 48 hr shift at the STFD. Guess I'll see him Wednesday .....

The new AC, even though it was a "painful" decision has been a good investment so far. Glad that is finally fixed.

October brings lots of fun/interesting things.... Job search activities for J including a 3 day testing process out of town. Making Strides volunteer event and extra shifts due to a sick co-worker for me. Reformation day picnic in SV and tickets to Ballet Tucson!

hi ho

R.I.P our dear Air Conditioner....

2011 so far has granted us with, one dead car, one dead AC, one rear-ending car accident, 1 job lay-off, 4-6 interview rejections, and Pittsburgh lost the Superbowl :(

2011 Blessings to the Faith's
~ New jobs all around
~ WE GAINED A SISTER! Yay Katie
~ We gained Eggbert... our new Hyundai accent
~ Miss Cherry Ames got fixed and is still running well
~ We became members of an awesome church
~ A vacation with the Faith Family
~ A vacation with the Fink Family
~ A house that is still standing despite lots of storms and it still has all its shingles...

YAY More blessings all around!

And its a new football season.....so HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE E GO...

Dear Husband

Marriage is such a gift! Doing our small part to even attempt to exemplify and emulate God's perfect covenant with us, although we fail daily, is such a unique opportunity and I am so grateful to be on this journey with you.

I am sorry these past few weeks have been a bit more challenging than the weeks before that; but thank you for your gracious and *mostly* patient commitment to 'us.' I was pleased last night when you snuggled me on the couch and said "I like this week's marriage better than last week's!" Me too honey, and I didn't even take offense to that comment because, frankly, you were right.

Thank you for not yelling at me when I thought I lost my ring. And thanks for finding it! For watching the Justin Bieber movie with me, and enjoying it. For being gentle when I am being unreasonable, for working 85 hours last week and not complaining. For doing neti-pots when I complain about your snoring, for validating my work. For letting me be clingy, for answering my sometimes stupid questions, and for praying every night with me, no matter what.
"God gave me you for the ups and downs"... oh yeah and listening to country music with me all the time.

You're doing great, I am so proud of you. don't get too frustrated with our current situation, let's enjoy it because surely, "...this too shall pass."

so needless to say... I love you.

"Ima tell you one time...."

Sunday, after church and a very successful fellowship meal... (It was a great day with 2 baptisms and a large homeschool family in our church becoming members .. yay!)

Francis, Chris, and Joseph and I enjoyed a relaxing day at our house and watched the Justin Beiber movie.

Yes, fun was had by at least 3 of the 4 of us! I was a bit surprised that I actually have a new found respect for this kid, as there is some true musical talent there; also who doesn't love a good underdog, rags to riches story once in a while?

Then, the evening got interesting with the Steeler's game which we decided to watch at Champs. I love football season! Even if it can be stressful!


NEW TOPIC..................................................................................................................................................

Yum yum yum! The only "problem" with this much deliciously fresh produce, is I have 1 chef's knife, to put it mildly I have 1 working knife...period. It took me hours....yes, HOURS to create this week's mega Southwest Salad and pico de gallo. However, as I have a history of not being very coordinated with a knife, taking my time is my own decision to protect my poor little fingers. I am currently drawing up some price comparisons of a food processor/blender/juicer/chopper i need in my kitchen. The n=Ninja 1100 looks promising but I really think I still want a Vitamix.

Saturday, I also used one of my mamma's recipe to make a casserole dish for the church fellowship meal. I called her desperately after work, when I was already at the grocery store as I had NO plan and zero inspiration to cook! Not only did she give me a recipe, she and dad drove to Tucson to say hi!! And after they did their shopping they brought dinner home for J and I... Talk about an unexpected pick me up :-)

A new recipe, a modified version of a recipe my Brother gave me. Chicken, Rotel, homeny, corn and some seasonings. J says its good but missing something, perhaps a thickening tomato paste? The chicken shredded nicely though! This will be for lunches or dinners this week. I also have some whole-wheat tortillas to make salad/chicken burritos too if the mood strikes us.








On a completely side and random note I got some new makeup! As i have been very happy with my mineral foundation from M*A*C I decided to try their eyeliner and lipstick....Nothing like new "war paint" to up my femininity feelings....

squeaky

I am trying to find many ways to be cost effective.

Online deals I am getting better at checking up on, but not necessarily following through with, however I am trying.

So, along the path to cutting costs I have stumbled into a few habits.

I feel that I do SO much laundry for just 2 people. However, when you keep in my mind my hubby works 2, sometimes 3 jobs, with various uniforms and sweat fests, he is CONSTANTLY discarding clothes into the pile when home. Notice I say PILE, not 1 of our 2 hampers... :-) Also, pile in the laundry I do for my side business....there is much laundry in this house.

ANy way, here is week 1 of my new experiment in making my own laundry detergent. 3 easy ingredients, a 5 minute job putting it together. And 1 tablespoon per load is needed. The soap doesn't foam as with my usually liquid free and clear detergents I used to use. So, if the math is correct i will be paying about 3cents a load for my laundry now. Approximately. No, I did not do that math myself.
The clothes smell fresh and clean, but they don't have a SCENT. I know J will like that once he starts wearing htem! So, we shall see if all goes well!

Also, the clear plastic spray bottle is my new disinfectant spray. distilled water, white vinegar and a few essential oils. Seemed to work pretty well in the bathroom.
I don't think my germ-a-phobe self will give up my Clorox wipes anytime soon, especially since flu season looms in a distance.... but for my usual cleaning this seems to be working well.

I read somewhere that you can put your sponges in the dishwasher... .thoughts anyone? I have microwaved some of my sponges in a bowl of water to disinfect them but I don't know..... I hate feeling the need to throw away my sponges so quickly.. hmmmm

domestic mess-es

Back by popular demand in my family of....1 other than myself. 'mega salad'....and chicken for protein. Is it bad to have hard-boiled eggs AND chicken on the same salad? Does one offend the other in any way?


I firmly believe salad should only ever be served in a wooden salad bowl. ignore my last blog where it was in a clear glass bowl.


My first attempt at dealing with NON-completely frozen chicken! I Did not GAG once!! I am SOOOO proud of myself! I found flavor-marinade packets I have been using with water and light olive oil.... however, I need to make sure they don't have any MSG in them before I continue using them. Or maybe K8 should just learn how to season food..... why oh why did I not pay better attention to my mommy's yummy food! Or even if I did, why did I take such a long cooking hiatus?

Grocery shopping annoys me. I tried to buy all my fresh foods at Sunflower yesterday, and cut into my cucumbers and they all tasted SOUR! THey looked great but j and I agreed they were BLECH. And fresh food doesn't keep well. It has been barely a week since I made my potato, veggie mix and I had to clean out the terribly BLECHY/moldy smelly mess that was the little bit of leftovers left in the fridge.


I enjoy my husband working at Starbucks... I got to try this new ....hmmm what is it? some type of caffeinated hibiscus tea? YUMMY! *blush* yes I am spoiled
Me trying to get a plethora of paperwork for one of my jobs done...obviously i am blogging instead.

Maybe I should change the name of my blog to Desperately Domestick8, or Desperate to BE domestic..... haha because obviously I don't do that great on the domestic front?

And on a side note...is no news good news? or is no news simply no news....????

Domesticated

I am being domesticated.

With my new schedule, I have a bit more time at home. Time which I am utilizing in my continued studies towards my goal of orthopedic certification, and also towards becoming a super wife. .... ... ?

This has been a bit of a challenge for me. Since I am home more I have NO EXCUSES. That is becoming my internal motto.

The dishes should be DONE
The laundry should be FOLDED and PUT AWAY
The house should be UN-CLUTTERED
And FOOD SHOULD BE HOME-MADE and PRE-PREPARED!

I give myself a 'B' for the past few weeks.....ok not a B- ... but not a B+ either...just a B.

My husband is working hard to be an A+ provider so I should make sure to be an A+ wife. Dedicated to all the duties therein.

Anyways, I am trying to 'cook ahead' food we can easily take to work and eat all week. I am repeating a HIT I had last week with....mega salad.



this is mega-salad, green peppers, red leaf lettuce and spinach finely chopped, red onion, tomato, carrots, this week I added cucumber, and cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and chicken on a day to day protein-needed basis.

I also did a veggie uuuh mix. with red skin potatoes, zucchini, black beans, corn and peas mixed together with salt and pepper. It needs more flavor, but I had no plan when I cooked and threw it all together so I have just been pairing it with flavored (mesquite) chicken and J hasn't complained. Needless to say, cooking "as fresh as possible" when you have no culinary ability or DESIRE to learn is interesting! But it has been fun and we are healthy, happy, and fed.

Still I prefer baking.... below are what I brought to church for our fellowship meal last week.


fruit loop treats for the kiddos


Cheesecake brownies for the adults.

I think they liked them, I had none-left over!


I am hoping to gain a bit more perspective in my house. Not that I want my house super decorated or anything. But perhaps with a bit more flair than what college roommates and parental hand-me downs and Ikea-found furniture has made home. But it is comfortable and lived in, and a home we own and love. But I guess now that I am IN it more and more, I am taking more pride in its appearance. It needs a little TLC....


So here's to a new season of my life, being domestik8...ed....

inspired by mittens

It Couldn't Be Done

by Edgar A. Guest

Somebody said it couldn't be done.
But he with a chuckle replied,
That maybe it couldn't, but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so 'till he'd tried.

So he buckled right in with a trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried, he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done. And he did.

Somebody scoffed, "Oh, you'll never do that
At least no one ever has done it."
But he took off his coat, and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we know, he'd begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or "quit-it".
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't done. And he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done.
There are thousands to prophesy failure.
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you
But just buckle in, with a bit of a grin;
Just take off your coat and go to it.
Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing
That cannot be done--and you'll do it!

Crashin'

Today was lovely. 4 jobs between us and hear how my lovely day went.

We slept in...deliciously late. Swam laps together at the park, then Joseph went off to work. I was not called in, tragic for me financially, but nice in itself.

The third load of laundry is going, dishes done, a meal for tomorrow in the crock pot, and many miscellaneous projects coming together. I am keeping myself productive, though still behind on academics. God has provided so generously for us through this crazy year of twists and turns. And His provision is sufficient. NOt a verse on His provision but that amazing peace. "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."~Psalm 4:8
And yet...
I still feel unsettled. I feel like I want to hop on the fast track! There are SO many things to do, see and accomplish. Why do I feel like no matter how hard we work and what we do we are at a stand still? I am content but not complacent.


I guess this all comes back to those decisions I am having trouble making. namely the academic one. But maybe if events go one way or another God could just make the decision for me! That would be ideal. I like when things are Cut and dry and easy to choose!

As my husband and I agree, I am NOT a very good decision maker, because I am too afraid to make a wrong one! And i know God didn't 'give me a spirit of timidity.' But I still fight it. Life can be awesomely confusing.

update

life marches on, ever as before, the winds of change blowing strongly through the Faith household. For the good, only because God is always in control.... the changes themselves tend to lean towards the frustrating on occasion, but nothing a family of God guided ninja's can't handle. :-)

We have vamped our lifestyle to 4 jobs to keep things interesting. Joseph still on reserve status with STFD, as well as being a part time as a Sb barista, however, other Fire departments are possibly in the works for full time so....*Criss cross applesauce*
I recently quit my job, started a new one, and am in the process of starting my own business as well. I never thought would be a business owner, but we shall see... supply on demand my friend.

I have almost successfully convinced my husband to get my kitties. 2 of them. Financial goals stand in the way of me and pets now...... almost there

We just celebrated year #2 of happy marriage :-) and my husband dug super deep into his ginormous heart, and on the card which accompanied a dozen deep red roses were the words "Because when you find a Snookums, you marry her! -Cuppycake"
that is about as philosophical and romantic as you will ever catch my husband. And I soak it up like a sponge.

MINE

I love my husband so much, but there are times, like today, when I am driving and reminiscing, and realize that even on the day I married him I didn't love him as much as I do now! How did Brad Paisley say it? Something like... "I only wonder how I could ever love you more..but I've said that before" :-)

Congratulations to Joseph for graduating with a 4.0 from NAU with his bachelors degree! It's been a long haul but he is done!

And now he is looking for a new job,as his current fire department doesn't look like it is going to be in our long term plans.....
God has something special planned for Joseph, but we need to be patient. It's a good thing JJ is easy to love on when he is stressing.

Here's to keeping my tongue still and the support flowing out of me for this crazy transitional period.

time

2011 has been a tad relentless.

We had to lay Joseph's care to rest in Flagstaff after it died on a short weekend holiday. I will miss his Hyundai accent, it was his baby.

My minor health concerns are finally being resolved after a few months of speculation, and I am glad for the resolution.

Joseph has been sick with what he would call 'death cold,' and I would call just a cold, but he is on the mend.

I was rear-ended last week, so dealing with the insurances and various degrees of car troubles and neck pain has been a tad frustrating.

Life sometimes gets so busy that in the quiet I find myself immersed in thoughtless activity.

I have an inactive book list which needs attending to as well as a number of household, academic, and organizational goals. and yet when 100 mph days stop, I find myself at a complete standstill.


Here's to a new year of productivity, self!