Things I learned while being a landlady….

For the last 7 years or so we had a house that had 7 apartments.  We did not really choose this, it came with the business we bought.  So I became a landlady, out of necessity.

I’ve always pictured an older 60+ woman in a huge flowing housedress.

Disclaimer:  This is not me.  Really.

Things I learned about people in general:

(1) People whose Mama has to call to inquire about the apartment make the worst tenants.  I actually prefer ex-cons.  Seriously.

(2)  The “scary” looking ones can be the nicest

(3) People who say “God bless you” quite a bit have a tendency to be liars.  But God  blessed me anyway.

(4) There are a lot of people living paycheck to paycheck.  Many don’t have vehicles.  Have to leave their living quarters for the streets.

(5) If you try to evict young men whose Mamas helped them get the apartment and said Mama works at Legal Aid, the following will Occur:

• Swastikas will be spray painted on the walls.
• We will be compared to God’s people (thanks:)) and words that would cause my kids mouths to be washed out with soap (no thanks).
• They would place their defacation in the stove.
• Place numerous holes in the wall

And it would be our fault, according to him.

(6)  There are many people calling themselves “Christians” who look down on people like we rent to.  Who treat them like second-class citizen, and sometimes non-people.  If I weren’t a Christian already, I could understand why they wouldn’t want to become one.

Things I learned about myself:

(1) I can be a judgmental cod. (Apologies to cod everywhere)

(2)  Sometimes I trust people too much.

(3) I’m a wimp when it comes to confrontation.

(4) I can be a prideful cod (again, apologies to cod) and think I’m better than them.  Just because I’m where I am, and not where they are.  But for the grace of God go I…..

We sold the property earlier this summer, and yesterday the new owners demolished the building to supply more parking for them.  Have to confess, that made me feel quite joyful, giddy almost.  But like most things, I didn’t necessarily enjoy parts of the journey, but am grateful to have been on it.  God only knows if I could have learned some of the things I learned without it.

The post where I explain where I’ve been.

Florida to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania to Missouri. Missouri back to Pennsylvania. And in the next few days, Pennsylvania to Florida. Makes me tired even thinking of it.

Been gone almost 4 weeks. Visiting family and friends, a trip to the Ozarks, attending my aunt and uncle’s 50th anniversary party and seeing aunts, uncles and cousins I hadn’t seen in 7-8 years. Finally seeing my sister’s “new” house she moved into 3 years ago. My first (and Lord willing not last) trip to Lehman’s. Visiting Gettysburg and the Hershey Chocolate Factory all in the same day (quite the dichotomy in experiences).

I wrote that in July.  Since then we’ve been back to Pennsylvania again, closed down our husband’s business and started him working from home.  So far it’s going well, once we worked through some of the logistics.  I left Facebook because of possible security issues, but have just started Twitter again.  I hope to start the blog again, Lord willing, and figure out where it fits into life.

Getting to “that” age.

Well, I’m technically past “that” age, you know, the one that causes your health insurance to go up and causes doctors to think you need umpteen medical tests just because you hit the 4-0.  Did my body know or something and decide to quit?  Hey, I’ve been a type 1 diabetic for 31 years.  I’ve done the gamut of tests, doctor visits, etc.  But then I arrived here at this time and all of a sudden I’m fodder to make my primary doctor rich.   Don’t get me wrong, I like the guy.  But heck, this is nuts!  After the first year, I think I had 6 extra  tests.  Which all turned out fine.  But now he wants to start the merry go round all over again.  Why?  Because something might be wrong.  Might be.

I’m considered a “non-compliant” patient.  I have been fired from at least one doctor (I considered throwing a party, just visiting his office gave me a stomachache).  It’s not like I am not willing to seriously consider what they tell me to do.  I just do research, and sometimes decide the pros outweigh the cons.  Really.  So, this medicine may help one area but may cause my liver to fail?  OK, I’ve already got at least 2 organs on the fritz, and I’m going to purposefully take something that could make it 3?  No, not at this point.

But on the other hand, I haven’t always made the best decisions diet wise.  Not by a long shot.  So I’m going out on a limb here.  This summer, my goal is to eat food God made, not Nestle and Pepsi and the like.  To learn to make the food myself.  To try at least 3-4 new to me veggies/fruit a month.  Not all at once.  One thing at a time.  Or I know me, I’ll just get overwhelmed and quit.  I’m almost finished with the GNOWFGLINS fundamental course and will be starting the Sourdough class by next weekend (I’ve got to get some sourdough starter from my good friend Sandy next week).  I will be trying milk kefir again, once I get some healthy grains (my first batch never did rehydrate).  And my family is begging me to make Kombucha again.   All while we plan some possibly long term road time.  So, slow and ready wins the race.  I’ll keep this updated better, and let you know how it goes.

Homeschool Mother’s Journal w/e May 21st, 2011




In my life this week…

Spent a lot of time waiting at our rental properties for people who made appointments and then never showed up.  Soooo frustrating!

Went over to a new friends house while my oldest son taught her oldest the beginning of learning to trade Forex.  We had fun playing Bananagrams and talking about homeschooling and homesteading.

In our homeschool this week…

Still slow.  Math, reading and planning for next year.  Wanting to change directions on how we proceed, especially with my youngest.  The last 2 years with me working several days a week necessitated lots of textbooks and workbooks.  That seems to work OK for him, but I see an attitude of “let me conquer this so I can get on with what I really want to do.”  Working on the heart, both of ours, is where I desire to journey

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We’re going to attend a Project Appleseed weekend starting tomorrow.  Interested to see how it goes.  I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.

My favorite thing this week was…

Got some really good news this week.  Not gonna tell though until it’s for sure!   And no, I’m not pregnant.

What’s working/not working for us…

Finally figured out to take a book with me while waiting for potential tenants.  That way I didn’t feel like my time was so wasted.  Still want to make my going out days less.  Seems like I’m out everyday, and that’s not what I want.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…

Trying to plan/figure out my oldest’s curriculum/plan for Fine Arts.  Not his favorite thing, so he’s not too thrilled.  Want to make it not too overwhelming, but still High School Level.  He wants to do some drawing, and thinking of integrating some art appreciation.  Decisions, decisions!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

“To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to the violence of our times.”
— Thomas Merton

Homeschool Mother’s Journal w/e May 14th, 2011




In my life this week…

Busy busy week.  Participated in 2 homeschool curriculum sales.  Pricing, taking to the venue, picking up. Went to work this week as a “consultant”, but it wasn’t too bad since I got to see several of my fellow homeschool moms while they visited their chiropractor:)

In our homeschool this week…

Oldest still barrelling through his Pre-Calc.  Getting started on putting together next years schedule and making final decisions on curriculum.  Was hoping to find some of what we needed at the curriculum sales, but between the 2 of them I spent $1.00.  On a reading book.  There is one more in a few weeks, we’ll see if that one is possibly more fruitful.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Was quite the social butterfly.  Was able to see many friends I hadn’t seen in awhile at the books sales.  Between just moving back to the county within the last year, and not being a part of a formal group since I was working 3 days a week, I’ve been out of the loop.
Between shopping at the 2nd booksale and needing to pick up my unsold items, I was able to spend time at a new friends house.  They had chickens hatching and at least 10 in the brooder, they were so adorable!  So wish I could take them home with me.  Alas, I live next door to the secretary of the Homeowner’s Association and the president lives behind him, diagonal from me.  Would be hard to get around that. 

My favorite thing this week was…

Watching the chicks hatch:)

What’s working/not working for us…

Finally getting into a routine, but need to go to bed earlier and get up earlier.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…

Seriously considering using Workboxes with my youngest son.  I think it would help him accomplish more.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

This really spoke to me.  I am so ungrateful for the simple things.

What I’m Reading This Week (in which I’m not going to tell you)….

I am considering a change to this weekly blurb.  I never discovered how much I don’t read books.  Or how many times I start a book and decide it’s not worth my time.  Or how many times a I start a book, get really excited about it, and then a few chapters later become bored, but still want to finish it, sometime.  So I stick it back on the shelf, armed with a Book Dart ( I heart Book Darts),  for another period.  But then there are those I devour and go back to frequently.  So therefore, I think it’s better worth my time (and yours) just to post when I come across a book that profoundly makes me think, affects me or changes my habits.

Homeschool Mother’s Journal w/e April 30, 2011




In my life this week…

My husband “fired” me this week.  I work entirely on a consulting basis.  Finding my niche back here at home, working on a schedule, so I don’t wander around the house trying to figure out what to do next…

In our homeschool this week…

Math for oldest and youngest.  Working at scheduling less time for TV and computer for youngest.  Starting to work on next year’s schedule and perusing VegSource daily to fill in my curriculum gaps.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Met with two of my fellow homeschooling moms to discuss the medical sharing plans, Medi-Share, Christian Healthcare and Samaritan.  After all that, I think we as a family are leaning toward a HSA.  But if we were going with a medical sharing plan, I know what direction we’d go.  Had so much fun just hanging out with “mom time” also!   

My favorite thing this week was…

Being able to finally say I’m a SAHM again.  When I started to work for hubby outside the home, we thought it would only be for 6-9 months.  It ended up being a little over 2 years.  So so grateful….

What’s working/not working for us…

I really need to get up earlier.  Just like that warm bed way too much:(

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…

So thankful to still be able to homeschool, especially over the last 2 years.  So strange to think that a year from now my oldest will probably be graduating, whoa!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

My youngest with 2 of his favorite things: his dog and a book!

Gnowfglins and learning to cook and eat healthier

I must confess the first time my friend told me about Gnowfglins my first response was “Huh?” and then “How do you spell that??????” (FYI, it stands for:  God’s Natural Organic Whole Foods Grown Locally In Season).  I’ve read Nourishing Traditions, and wholeheartedly agree with what it says, but that book just overwhelms me.  Meaning, I want to do it, but I can’t see the steps just see the goal at the end.  I get overwhelmed, and then do nothing about it.

Her blog is very helpful and insightful.  And not overwhelming.   Honest. Funny. Interesting.  If you do nothing else, read the blog.  But it’s so worth it to take the next step.  Her e-Courses.

Gnowfglins breaks down the things to learn in simple steps.  There are videos, audios and handouts in the form of PDF’s (Adobe).  It takes the scary out of it.  Wardeh (the site owner) is a fabulous teacher and really helps make it less scary.  There is a forum also (which I need to take more advantage of).

There are three courses, Fundamentals, Sourdough and Cultured Dairy and Cheese.  It is a monthly subscription with different options.  You can begin and end your subscription anytime.  I have downloaded all of the handouts and am on the last 2 lessons the Fundamentals course.  I’m debating which class to do next, the Sourdough or the Cultured Dairy and Basic Cheese course.  But I fully plan on doing both.  I would love to hear if you join, or already do.

What I’m Reading Wednesday – 4/27/11

What I finished:

Better Off by Eric Brende

Overall an interesting book.  Some good points.  But pretty much nil on the practicability of living without technology.  Glad I read it, but glad it was a library book.

Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar

I really appreciated her overview of the herbs and her recipes.  Lots of pictures, which always helps me.  Still feel very overwhelmed, but that’s not her fault.  A friend of mine let me borrow Making Herbs Vol. 1 by Shoshanna Easling of Bulk Herb Store.  I really liked this a lot, as I am a visual learner.  It made me want to go back and look at the Rosemary Gladstar book again and take a try at making my own concoctions and poultices.  I’ll keep you updated.

Christianity Is Jewish by Edith Schaeffer

Edith Schaeffer is one of my favorite authors.   The premise of this book is to explain the bible to Jewish people, to show them how the entire bible points to Jesus as the Messiah.  A Genesis to Revelation overview.  Not a hard book to read, and very insightful.  An interesting thing happened as I was finishing the book.  My oldest (15 yo son) was asking his father how to explain the gospel to a Jew.  I was able to hand this to him as a resource.

What I’m Still Reading:

Surviving Off Off-Grid by Michael Bunker

I’m still really enjoying this book.  I really enjoy the historical overview that this has.  Highly considering making this required reading for my high schooler’s American History.  The revisionist history taught in most curriculum is tainting our kid’s worldview.  Now getting into the more practical parts of it.  God would definitely have to move for us to see this come to pass, but I know He’s capable.  Choosing to trust and take it one step at a time.  I highly recommend this book so far.

Books new this week:

Surprised By Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright

I’m very fascinated by this book.  Not convinced I’ll necessarily agree with it all, but if nothing else it has made me go read my Bible for myself and not just believe everything I’ve been taught from the pulpit.  The pastor I grew up with taught from the bible and the USA Today, New York Times, etc. and always believed we were in the End Times and used quite a bit of fear.  I do believe we’re in the End Times but finally am not afraid of all that entails as I was as a child.  Only on page 9 so far in this book, but looking forward to it.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Biography by Eberhard Bethge

If you stay reading this blog for a awhile (which I hope you do) you might hear about this book for awhile, if not simply for the fact that it’s 1048 pages long! I first read The Cost of Discipleship back probably 10 years ago.  I consider it in my top 10 of “Books I Would Take With Me If I Were To Be Stranded on a Desert Island”.  I highly respect Dietrich Bonhoeffer and am looking forward to this, written by one of his best friends.

Thanks for coming with me on my reading journey, ’til next week!

Homeschool Mother’s Journal w/e April 23, 2011




In my life this week…

Organized my office this week.  Major undertaking.  So much paper, soooo much filing.  I have a love/hate relationship with paper.  Paperwork, forms, taxes, etc. drive me batty.  So I hate trees, which make paper.  But I love books, also made of paper, so I guess they can stay:)

In our homeschool this week…

A pretty slow week.  A little math, a little reading.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Slow week socially, but needing to stick around the house and get caught up was worth it.  Next week showing to be a little more active.

My favorite thing this week was…

The King’s Speech came out on DVD this week.  Love that movie!

What’s working/not working for us…

I need to figure out a way to get the boys (kids and hubby) to turn their socks right side out before they place them in the hamper.   I turn them right side out after washing, only to find grass, dirt and dog hair still attached to the bottom.  Urrgh!

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…

Thinking of ideas to simplify school.  If I could only have 2-3 resources per subject, what would I pick?

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Really enjoyed this post from Life in a Shoe about how she teaches history:)