$32

Do you ever feel as if you are just going through the motions of life - not really making a big difference?

Head over to Shlog and look at WHAT A DIFFERENCE  $32 CAN MAKE!

You will find it amazing....

Empty and Beautiful

I received a free CD in the mail last week.  I first heard about Matt Maher through Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.  She wrote about Matt's new album - Empty and Beautiful - and how the lyrics had influenced her during the first week she listened to it.  I flipped on over to his site and signed myself right up - and what do you know?  A few days later I was inserting my very own CD into the car as I drove out of the driveway, like I do every afternoon to cart the kids all over tarnation.

I can't tell you how much I love it!  It is upbeat and positive.  The lyrics are full of depth.  My favorite song is the first, "Your Grace is Enough".  We sing it at church on occasion - even Reed knows the words.  Caroline was talking about how she likes this version better than the one we usually sing because of the inflections he adds to the chorus.  I love it because it reminds me that Jesus shares his grace with me every single day.  and it is enough - it's just as much as I need.  Believe me, I need a ton of grace to make it through each and every day.

You can have this music, too.  It's on sale for just $8.97.  I think you will find it to be an encouragement to you as you listen.  I can't wait to add it to my playlist as I run my 40 miles to get ready for Houston in January and my big birthday next March!

Thanks Matt for brightening my week with such a happy and uplifting album.  Now, when are you coming to East Tennessee for a concert?

Pattern and Color!

How do you like my new look?  Same girl with a little more spunk!

Thanks to Jennisa and Theresa for your creativity and graphic skills.  I think it's terrific!

About a month ago, I set out on a quest for a new face for my blog and I began selecting a few goals for the upcoming year.

Do you have any idea how difficult it is to name 40 goals?  and besides naming them, I'm sure applying them will be a challenge, too.  

I promise to be ready to bid the 30's good-bye when the time rolls around next March the 13th. I figure if 50 is the new 40, 40 must be the new 30 - without birthing children and changing diapers.  Halleluia!

 

Bubble Gum

Finally!  A chance to discuss one of my favorite things!  Bubble Gum...

First a few fun facts:

*  "Bubble Gum (with sugar) is intended to be chewed for a longer amount of time than any other food.  If you throw it out too soon, the sugar can be detrimental to your teeth.  If you chew it longer than 10 minutes, your saliva will neutralize the oral cavity allowing the body's natural defenses to kick in".  Thank you Cadbury Schweppes for that tip.  Wish I'd read it about 30 years ago.  I'm sure it would have convinced my parents that gum with sugar is ok!

*Bubble gum was first developed in 1906 by Frank Fleer.  It was called Blibber-Blubber Gum but it was never marketed.  In 1928, an employee of Fleer perfected the recipe and called it Dubble Bubble.

and now to the ratings...

Bubble Yum - this is the first gum I recall being sold in chunks.  It was always a no no at our house.  Too much sugar.  The bubbles were great, though.  I was always drawn to it in the checkout line.  They developed a sugarless variety, but those bubbles are way below par.  You must need sugar to have a bubble blowing boom.

Overall score: 8

Hubba Bubba - sold as "the bubble with no trouble" because it isn't as sticky.  It was discontinued in the US in the 1990's but is once again on the market.  I haven't had any in 25 years.  My favorite used to be green apple.

Scoreless

Bubblicious - still on the market today.  Marketed as having the biggest bubbles.  It is not my favorite.  The portion size is too big for the mouth and the gum develops into a slimy mess within minutes.   

Scoreless

Gum Balls - Ohhh, I love me a good gumball.  Especially one purchased from a cool maze for $.25 at a restaurant - a mexican restaurant around here.  My favorite color is (and always has been) blue.  Last week in Snowshoe, while waiting for over an hour to eat, we found some that appeared to be tie-dyed.  I declared them to be my new favorite until my extremely intelligent and reasonable friend deduced that rather than tie-dyed, they were old and sun damaged.  Oh well, I'm sure they still tasted as good.  I hate yellow, white and green.  I will give them away.  But blue, pink, red, orange - back away from my gum!  The bubbles will be great for about 15 minutes and the tongue exhausted from blowing - so it is perfectly reasonable to be throwing this into the trash within 30 minutes.  Expect a jaw-ache.

Overall score:  7

Dubble Bubble - The flavor of this gum seems to have changed since I was young.  It is juicier - doesn't get as dry.  I still find this gum to be stiff and tasteless within 30 - 40 minutes  The bubbles might be good a time or two, but they fail to sustain the bulbous spheres that a true bubble-blower desires.  The gum tends to pop in a loud snap that could injure fragile lips, so indulge with caution.

Overall score: 5

Bazooka - There are 2 different choices for this gum.  One packaged like Bubble Yum - big, soft morsels to put in your mouth, or smaller rectangles that are firm and dusted with white powder.  The morsels are great in the beginning but quickly turn to slimy mush.  The other variety blows great bubbles, although the flavor will not win any awards.  If purchasing the rectangles (packaged like starburst), a squeeze will confirm the age of the gum.  Hard translates to stiff, tongue exercising, bubble bombs.  Oh, a packaging bonus for my mom.  Bazooka is wrapped in comics.

Overall score: 7

Super Bubble - I did it again!  Saved the best for last.  This is my all-time favorite pink bubble maker.  It also comes in green apple and grape.  Grape is horrible.  Tough, non-pliable, blech.  Green apple used to be my favorite.  It has a distinct smell that permeates every room you've ever walked into.  Green bubbles are good, but won't win a contest.  Pink is definitely tops - but I only buy it when it is squeezably soft.  It won't work like Charmin, but if it's soft enough to squeeze, you'll have enviable bubbles.  I find that it will last a few hours although all colors will be stiff toward the end of the experience.  

Overall score:10

and now I'll end with the lyrics to a song I heard in Hilton Head 28-ish years ago.  I don't know who wrote it, but it was sung by Greg Russell under the old oak tree in Harbour Town.

"Gimme gimme gimme some bubba bubba bubba gum"

"Baby, I want to blow your mind"

"Do it, chew it, do it, chew it"

"Do it, chew it, bubba bubba bubba gum"

"Baby, I want chew da be mi-ine."

That's all I remember - love the memories!  I could sing it for you to give you the real idea, but that would be far too scary!

Stuck Without a Blog

Ok, I lied.  Today is not the day to discuss bubble gum.  I really should write a dissertation on baseball, 'cause that is about all I've done for the past 24 hours.  One baseball scrimmage and a long practice - plus planning our summer - and turning in our taxes.  and checking the pond for fish.  

The Easter Bunny delivered 4 fish to the pond, but they remain sight unseen, as we had another cold snap and they went into hibernation.  At least the egg hinted that the "treasures" were in the form of fish.  Hopefully with the warmer weather they will show themselves.

Hasta manana, amigos y amigas!

The Stick of Gum

Let's start with chewing gum.  Tomorrow I'll discuss bubble gum ('cause that is really my favorite and I always save the best for last).

Trident - I grew up on this gum.  My dad always had spearmint or peppermint.  I liked the old bubble gum flavor the best but they changed the formula sometime between my 7th year and my 37th and it isn't as I remembered.  This gum hurts my jaw if I chew it very long.  I think they need to increase the serving size to give more shock absorbancy for the jaw.  The bubble blowing capacity is WAY below average.  Bubbles are minute... not worth the tongue effort.  

Overall score:  4

Extra - This gum was born in 1984 and was the #1 chewing gum within 5 years.  It comes in 7 flavors - my favorite is peppermint.  The classic bubble flavor gets tough after a good chewing, so it's squashing capacity is limited.  Spearmint grosses me out after a while, so it too has limited chew time (lct).  Peppermint lasts and lasts, along with the consistency.  I personally can't stand the smell of the fruity flavors, so I don't buy them.  Bubble blowing capacity is not too bad, although it does have a messy lip hazard.  If the bubble expands too much, it will pop and a thin smattering of gum will be all over your lips in small dabs.  (very frustrating).

Overall score: 8

Ice Cubes - These are presented as the cutest little squares.  Unfortunately, that is all they offer.  Within 15 minutes they are tough, tough, tough.  and the flavor is gone, gone, gone.  You won't even have time to attempt a bubble

Overall score: 1

Juicy Fruit - Originated in 1893.  Yep, that's right, folks.  It is over 100 years old.  They stopped making it for a short time during WWII and it was re-introduced in 1943.  It is the number one selling fruit gum brand in the U.S. and is the number 1 favorite among kids.  What is wrong with those parents?  Don't they know sugar causes cavities??  I do like Juicy Fruit, but after a while it seems to go bad.  The consistency turns slimy and the flavor?  Well, after a few hours, it tastes like an old banana.  Bubbles are ok in the beginning.  But if you are to the slimy stage, don't bother or you might just flip the whole piece onto the floor.

Overall score: 6

Stride - Dashed onto the market in 2006.  Sells itself as "Ridiculously long lasting gum" - I find this preposterous.  The flavor is pretty much lost within 89 minutes.  By 105 minutes my jaw is exhausted and the gum?  Non-pliable.  Surprisingly, this goo takes on air quite well and the bubbles are sturdy and quite bulbous.  The manufacturers claim the wrapper will "melt in your mouth" although we found this to be a tall tale.

Overall score: 5

Orbit - This gum emerged on the scene in 1944 but was removed by 1946. It re-emerged in 1977 as a stick of gum and as Wrigley's first sugarfree gum.  At some point, it disappeared again, and they started selling it again in 2001 as pieces in a rectangular box.  There is a candy coated version, but I cannot expound on its effectiveness as I hate the initial crunch.  My favorite flavor is cinnamon.  The flavor sticks around quite a while but does not cause my tongue to be burned from the spice.  Consistency is good.  Bubbles just average.  Other likeable flavors:  sweet mint, peppermint, and lime mojito (especially likeable).

Overall score: 9

Wrigley's 5 - Hubs first bought this hip looking box of gum in Kentucky.  He decided to give it a shot.  Whew!  What a find!  I love it!  Five features 3 flavors - Cobalt (peppermint), Rain (spearmint), and Flare (cinnamon).  All 3 are full of flavor that lasts and lasts - all day long if you are patient enough to wait it out.  The texture is firm but supple.  The gum is a bit more expensive than other brands, but I find that one could even slice one piece into 2, making it surprisingly economical.  In my ever-changing likes and dislikes, my favor of Flare has morphed into a likeness for peppermint - although when chewed too long - my tongue begins to feel pruny.  If that is even possible.  Bubbles are successful without much effort and popping capabilities are just outstanding!

Overall score: 10, 10 10!

If you've stuck around this long, you deserve a prize.  Most certainly you will be an educated buyer the next time you are deliberating over the endless possibilities available!

My Take on Gum

I wonder how may of you know me well enough to know that I LOVE GUM.  Always have, always will... unless it sticks to my dentures (when I get them).  and then there's Freedent!  I am quite an accomplished and opinionated masticator.  

Hubs is a very particular chewer. Interpreted... he is picky when it comes to gum.  There are very few pieces that will stay in his mouth longer than 5 minutes.  I, too, am selective.  I refuse to share my gum with said borrower if they will throw it away too soon.  Well, I will share, but I will heckle you if you fail to chew it the expected number of hours.  and believe me, I know the squashing endurance of each brand.

You see, I will chomp on a piece of gum until it can be chomped no more.  Hours and hours and hours. I drink with gum in my mouth.  I can eat with gum in my mouth (in dire situations) - but I don't recommend eating popcorn with gum.  I've been like this since I was young.  When I was a teenager, one of my presents (I think from my stocking) was a gum saver.  I was the coolest kid on the block. in my humble opinion.   Yes, I used to save my gum overnight.  I would restart the chewing the next day after I brushed my teeth - right after breakfast.  Crazy, huh?  I used my gum saver most often when I had non-sugarless bubble gum, which was a rarity.  Occasionally I stored my gum on my plate while eating.  I have to admit, I would cringe before allowing that at my table today.  I am much more sophisticated now.

I don't try the whitening gum.  I despise candy coated gum.  I make exceptions for gumballs.  After all, they make some of the best bubbles.

When I was in grade school, gum was a no no.  The only gum I could chew was Aspergum.  I got away with it as often as I could.  Some teachers allowed gum in high school.  I bought Watermelon Hubba Bubba because Mr. Snell (my 9th grade History teacher) hated the smell.  but he let me chew it and I loved that about him.  

For years I have longed for chocolate flavored gum.  I figured if I could just get the chocolate in a chewing form, I wouldn't have to eat so many calories.  Last year, we found chocolate Bubble Yum at Justice.  The kids and I tried it and it was NASTY!  Brooks liked it.  He got to have the rest of the 2 remaining packs.

Stay tuned this week.  I'll have a full discussion and comparison of gum.  Sugarless and sugar-filled.  Sticks and cubes.  Bubble and non-bubble.  How's that for something to chew on?

3.14159265

Happy Pi Day!

Brooks' math class celebrated Pi Day with a yummy piece of pie.

Did you?

I'm taking a week off from Blogging. Well, at least a few days. Check back next week for more fun and details on the beginning of my 40th year!

Bouncy

Just to let you know, my workouts are continuing to progress.  I am sure you've been clinging to the edge of your seat to see if my legs are still attached after the somewhat strenuous workout from last week.  

Our gym has the coolest cardio room.  Those of you living in a large city have had these since 1492, but those of us in Smalltown America come by things slowly.  If you ever come looking for me and I'm not in step class, you will find me in the movie room.  The room is dark and the sound is loud.  We can use treadmills, bikes, or elliptical machines while watching a blockbuster.  Last Friday I watched Cellular.  One full hour on the treadmill just to see how it would all end up.  The first time I went into the movie room, they were showing Chicago.  Great movie, great music - perfect for keeping your mind off the sweat and tears incurred by overexertion!

This morning I put myself through a Body Step class.  We have an extremely energetic instructor.  She has this bounce that the rest of us cannot emulate.  In fact, when I try, I practically fall to the ground. and falling to the ground is dangerous when you are on a step.  It is a long way down to the floor.  Not to mention embarrassing!  At the end of her class, you are surely worthy of a blue ribbon - or whatever color you want.  An honorable mention for sure, because you are a survivor.

I'm a glutton for punishment.  I'll go back tomorrow for step.  Caroline has an eye doctor appointment, so I will skip my weekly date with Beth (Moore) and exercise before the appointment.

I'm not sure all of this exercise is doing much for this bod.  I just notice that I am ravenous all day long - and my stress levels are manageable after an hour with loud music, my step and one super bouncy instructor.

A Few Things to Try

Thank you for all of your concern this past weekend.  I can't tell you how much love I felt when I got your calls to see if I was ok and to ask "why the heck did you decide to give up Diet Coke and chocolate?"  Seriously, thank you.

I am sure you will all be happy to hear that my Diet Coke fast ended on Saturday.  I drank it instead of orange juice Saturday morning before basketball - but I only had one.  Well, until Saturday night at dinner.  I had another. 

 I reacquainted myself with chocolate on Sunday.  Right after I purchased those colorful Hershey's chocolate eggs to put in the candy dish.  I couldn't pass them by.  Yum.

So, instead of eliminating them all together, in the name of healthiness and a long life, I will attempt to limit their intake... after all, I want to have a 90th birthday party, too!

In the meantime, I thought I would tip you off to a few items that I have recently discovered.  The first one is a can of Kuner's of Colorado Refried Black Beans.  They have a hint of lime.  They are really good - a nice change from regular refried beans.  These are flavored so well that I don't add any spice.  Reed asked if they were chocolate (upon sight of his plate) and proceeded to eat them all without a gripe.  Try 'em!  I served them with fajitas and guacamole.  

Another item... Tazo Refresh Green Tea.  I bought it yesterday from Starbucks (but you can get it in the grocery store).  It has a hint of mint - but not too much.  I found it to be perfect for watching baseball practice in warmish weather (I still had a light coat on).  I can't wait to get some more!  Plus green tea is supposed to be good for you.

My favorite item for you to track down is my popcorn popper.  It is a stove-top popper.  This is my 3rd one in 17 years.  The first was from Williams Sonoma and lasted for about 10 years.  I couldn't find them again at W.S. (evidently they are only sold at Christmas), so the second was from Target and lasted just 2 years.  The third is also from Target - and we'll see how it does.  It has been somewhat redesigned, so maybe it will hold up better.  I am serious; this style makes the very best popcorn.  You can adjust the amount of oil and salt to your taste.  You can also add butter, but I prefer mine without!

By the way, my favorite beverage to accompany popcorn is orange juice.  Yep, really.  Something about the sweet with the salty.  Oooh, it's good!  You should try it!