NASCAR goes cosmetic

Apparently I'm way behind on this, but Jason and I saw a commercial last night for a Daytona 500 cologne. Do people really associate the Daytona 500 with a pleasing fragrance?

I find the combination questionable, and as I told Jason last night, I'd prefer it if he didn't smell anything like the Daytona 500.

Passing the Buck

My husband, instead of formulating an opinion on the various nursery bedding that I've sent him, has taken the decision to his blog. Feel free to scan and vote here.

A Ray of Sunshine

Remembering my love for all things Rachael Ray, my friend JB sent me this link.

The video, in addition to being entertaining, pretty accurately sums up why she drives me nuts. But you can't deny--she has amassed a following to rival the less-irritating Food Network celebrities. So, JB and Carla (and any other Boston natives), go on and line up for the book signing. And say something clever if you get to the front of the line ... she just may let out a snort for you.

Giggle Box

I hope Hallie laughs like this.

Hallie Kay Head Makes Her Debut

Well, just in case there is someone out there who I haven't told, we got big news today... Our little one is a girl! (Hence the pink font.) She currently weighs 8 ounces, which is just perfect, and she kicked and waved at us the whole time the nurse did the ultrasound. I would post the ultrasound pictures, but trust me when I tell you that you wouldn't be able to tell what they are. So, you'll just have to wait for a REAL photo of our baby girl in May!

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm... Good

More Campell's soup is consumed in Louisville, Kentucky, than in any other area of the country.

Laura? Courtney? Any theories as to why?

This Could be Awkward

This lawyer is suing her firm (while continuing to work there) because she claims that the firm told her she should be spending less time at work and more time with her kids.

I don't think anyone will deny the fact that juggling a career and a family presents its challenges, particularly when both spouses work. And I read blogs and articles where women say that it can't be done well. However, this is a decision unique to each family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make the decision for myself.

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

According to this website, I have a 60% chance of having a baby girl.

According to my mother's voodoo magic over Thanksgiving, I am definitely having a girl.

We'll have confirmation in 5 DAYS!

Count Your Many Blessings

As I wrote the previous post, I couldn't help but think of my Mama Dawson, whom I saw almost every Thanksgiving when I was younger. Specifically, I remember her leading the singing of the old hymn "Count Your Many Blessings." And in her honor, here are the uplifting lyrics...

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Happy Thanksgiving

We are at T-minus 2 1/2 hours until my Thanksgiving Holiday begins. This Thanksgiving will span from November 22 through November 29 and will include an early turkey dinner tonight, a trip to the beach, a wedding, and hopefully some hot chocolate in a cabin in the mountains!

It's important to remember your blessings, and so here are a few things I'm thankful for this holiday:

--my husband, who loves me even when it's hard
--the hope of Baby Head
--my family
--my in-laws, especially my sister-in-law who will say "I do" in six days!
--the cutest dog ever, who just happens to live at my house

There are more, but I don't want to bore you with the details. God is so good, even on days when the "thankful" list seems shorter than the "to do" list. And so, I give Him the thanks, and I wish each of you a blessed Thanksgiving celebration.

Of Shoes and Ships and Sealing Wax

Since I've returned to the blog today, I think it's the perfect time for a new rant. So, here goes.

Every morning on my way to work, I listen to The Rick and Bubba Show. For those of you who don't know, they are the self-proclaimed "sexiest fat men alive," and their show is the only entertaining part of my drive from Wetumpka to The Gump. Every morning at about 7:45 or 7:50, a pastor from a local church occupies about a 1-minute commercial spot. He uses this one minute to give "inspirational" stories and remarks. While the idea behind this spot is fine, I find myself annoyed almost every day. Yesterday was no exception.

The source of my frustration is the fact that this "pastor" rarely ever mentions God. And he certainly never mentions Jesus. Of course, this would be fine if he were a motivational speaker or an entertainer. The problem, simply, is that he is a minister, and these stories are presented by a church under the guise of Christianity. And they focus on people, not on God. Yesterday's story ended with the line "We all need to remember that we are never alone; other people around us are working hard with us." (my paraphrase, but it's pretty accurate)

Teaching people to place their faith in other people is not only false, but foolish. As all of us know, people will let us down. People are sinful. The Church, and therefore pastors, have the responsibility and the joy of pointing people to the ONLY constant source of peace, Christ.

It isn't that his stories aren't nice -- they are. But to spend his one minute every morning, with a huge listening audience, to tell a nice story really doesn't help anyone. Surely as soon as listeners feel a little lighter about humanity, someone cuts them off in traffic, their family member says something hurtful, or their coworker is inconsiderate. And so, that little high they may have felt after Pastor's story vanishes. The Truth is that putting your faith in other people will always disappoint; instead, we should be encouraging and challenging people to put their faith in the Only One who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." I am disappointed when one who represents the Church wastes such a valuable opportunity.

Baby News!

Now that no one is checking this blog anymore, I've decided to update. (We'll see how long it takes anyone to notice...)

Since my last post my husband and I have found out that we are going to be parents in May! We heard Baby Head's heartbeat on November 1st, and we are scheduled to learn whether Baby Head is a boy or a girl on December 7th...I can hardly wait. Perhaps we'll get a picture then so that I can post his or her very first portrait online.

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Program...

...to bring you a link to this article. I'm breaking my self-enforced policy of avoiding politics on my blog (merely because about a million other blogs exist for that purpose and their long "comments" sections usually put me to sleep). But this article, as my husband said, hits the nail on the head.

We can only hope that Lieberman's defeat last night was not a sign of things to come.

Alabama Politics...

...At its Finest.

Forward Rebels

Just in time for football season, the Head family has purchased a new Honda CRV ... the perfect vehicle for hauling a Grove tent!

Hotty Toddy!

An Open Letter to Rachael Ray of The Food Network

Dear Rachael,

I have many reasons to thank you, one being the gorgonzola steak recipe Jason and I made this evening. In fact, "30 Minute Meals" has been quite helpful to my small family of two.

However, I have a gripe. It pertains not to "30 Minute Meals," but to "$40 a Day." My gripe is this: ANYONE could limit herself to spending $40 in ANY town on ANY day if she tipped as badly as you do! In adding up your expenditures, you show us your tab. And I am continually amazed by the meager tips you leave. I'm particularly disappointed because the staff at each restaurant consistently gives you excellent service! (Of course I realize the cameras help you here.) Nonetheless, it's a good thing you film the waiters and waitresses as they bring you your meals and not after they receive your checks!

Just something to think about.

Sincerely,

A.K.H.

The One-Woman Show

One of my favorite things about living in Wetumpka is receiving The News Record, Wetumpka's free weekly newspaper.

I enjoy the paper because it keeps me up-to-date on local happenings without having to pay for a subscription.

But I particularly enjoy the paper, because (almost) every article is written by the same woman. I have actually taken on the challenge each week to hunt through the paper to try to find an article written by someone else. And, the best part is, this same woman has a column!

After reading the paper each week, I have Ms. Peggy Blackburn's view on everything in or around Wetumpka, Alabama. And every time something newsworthy happens I just have to hope that she is available and on the scene. If not, I may never know about it.

Easily Amused

The traffic guy on the radio is named Miles Long.

UPDATE: My husband has made fun of me since this post because I thought this was the guy's actual name. I held my ground, believing it to be so...until I heard the name of another traffic guy on the radio this morning. The name? Major Delay.

Ok, Jason, you win this one.

Jesus Golf Balls--I'm not kidding.

A writer on this blog has a good post about Christian retailing. It puts into words my long-time dread of "catchy" Christian logo t-shirts, bumper stickers, candy, etc. Please understand...I think some of these items can serve a purpose at Vacation Bible School and childrens' ministries.

However, I don't know too many Christians who became believers because of the bumper sticker on the car in front of them. And the point, for me, is this: many of these items seem to serve the believing purchaser more than the outside world they are purported to attract, and they too often substitute for the actual going, preaching, baptizing, and discipling Christians are commanded to do.

(Thanks to Courtney for sending me the link.)

Today we'll be celebrating paper clips!

Maybe it's just the places I've worked, but I have noticed a direct correlation between an office job and an increase in my cake consumption. It seems we always have some cake-worthy event to celebrate. Someone's always having a birthday, having a baby, or leaving. Of course, there are holidays as well. And all are cause for dessert!

I assume most offices are this way. That's why we all laugh so hard at poor Milton, who just wants some cake.

I am definitely not complaining about this phenomenon. But I'm going to have to find some time to exercise before I become wider than my desk chair.