Archives for 2012

To the Ladies

September 25, 2012 by Amy 1 Comment

In one of my six meetings I had today, we were talking about our group of offshore workers. I won’t bore you with the details of the meeting but there was a small detail that came up I keep thinking about.

Offshore workers work in shifts to accommodate the time zone differences for the companies with which they work. It’s advantageous for us to work with the workers on the second shift as they are getting off work just as we are coming in. We have at least a few hours to make the exchange of information of what work was completed while we were sleeping the night before. In the meeting, my manager made the remark about a female that just started working with us but she’s a first shift worker as no females are allowed to work the second shift.

I have no idea why females aren’t allowed to work the second shift. I’m guessing it has something to do with their protection. Because I’m just guessing somewhere along the way things aren’t the same for females as it is for males.

So as I sat in a conference room with a 3 to 1 male to female ratio where I was every bit as respected by the 3, my heart went out to that worker around the world that at the end of the day, wasn’t being treated the same as her coworkers.

Me, (safely) in New York for work

I picked up my Bible to straighten up this evening as DSS is making their biannual home visit in the morning and as I walked I randomly opened it to read. I “just happened” to turn to this passage in Matthew where Jesus was talking about His return. Things are going to get bad and then He says this:

How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!

I love that out of all the things he could communicate about that time, He took a moment to speak His soft spot for women. The world is ending and He’s thinking of us in particular.

I love that He feels that way and I love that He took the time to remind me.

Ladies, don’t ever forget you are every bit as valuable as the men around you. We’re different, for sure. But I don’t care if you work or you don’t. If you have kids or you don’t. If you’re a girl, a woman, a lady, you’re important and loved.

My Three Easiest Crock Pot Meals

September 24, 2012 by Amy 12 Comments

Salsa chicken, recipe below

I get asked often for crock pot meals. I have 3 go-to meals that are fool-proof and SO easy—just 2-3 ingredients.

Salsa Chicken

Frozen or regular chicken breasts or tenders

One jar of salsa

Dump them in. I usually put it on high and it’s done in 4 hours. Just before it’s done, I shred the chicken and let it simmer on low in the salsa.

I love to serve this for Mexican night. I make rice, refried beans, shells and serve with cheese, sour cream, lettuce, etc.

For the kids, they don’t really like all that as a mix so I just serve the chicken, rice and a can of corn to make a plate for them.

BBQ

Boston Butt

About 1/2 cup of water

Salt and pepper

Dump them in. I usually put it on high about 8-10 hours, or until it pulls apart with a fork

When it’s done, I separate the meat from the bone and then shred it. At this point, you can either mix in BBQ sauce or let people put their own on.

If you want, you can serve with hamburger buns or just eat it on its own. I always make baked beans with this. This is my go-to large group gathering meal. If you’ve been to eat at my house, you’ve probably eaten this.

Roast

Chuck Roast

One packet of dry onion soup mix

1/2 cup of water

Dump them in. I usually put it on high for about 8 hours, or until it pulls apart with a fork.

When it’s done, I separate the meat from the bone. I always make rice or mashed potatoes this this and make gravy from the leftover juice in the crock pot. BONUS! I added the gluten-free version of the gravy that I use.

BONUS: Gluten-free gravy

Juice from roast

3/4 + 1/4 cup of water

1/4 cup corn starch

Put roast juice in sauce pan. Add 3/4 cup of water. Heat to boiling on medium to medium-high. Mix 1/4 cup corn starch and 1/4 water until there are no bumps. Stir in corn starch mix and keep stirring until it thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Really cannot get more simple than these 3. They’re great to pick up when the meat required is on sale and you can have a ton of REAL food for a great price.

Any really simple ones like this to add?

This post is linked up to Just a Girl

Don’t Quit | Pray Harder

September 20, 2012 by Amy 1 Comment

The girls’ devotional tonight was based on Romans 12:11-13:

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

So much to unpack there but this is what stuck:

On Planting Seeds

September 18, 2012 by Amy 5 Comments

Have I told you lately how much I loved gardening this year? My pepper plants are still producing and we just took out our tomato plants this past weekend. I can’t even count how many batches of salsa I made this summer. It. was. glorious. I’m pretty sure I lived off smoothies and salsa for about 6 weeks straight.

Also this last week I decided to take the plunge and plant carrot seeds. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this before but I am terrified of seeds. Like, T-total terrified.

What if they don’t grow?

What if I waste all my time, money, water and space and it does…nothing?

What if I stare at the dirt hoping and praying for change and it just keeps looking like…dirt?

But today? Today I came home after two days of rain and look:

Do you see, do you see? It’s baby carrots! Baby carrot plants! It’s working! The seeds are really growing! I know preschoolers and their Dixie cups are laughing at my inability to believe a seed would actually grow but honest to goodness, I didn’t think they would. I felt like a momma in the maternity ward and had Scott take a picture.

God didn’t waste a single moment of that garden. He hasn’t all year. I’m still leaning into this new mentor relationship and I feel the same way about it as I do those little carrot seeds.

What if she doesn’t grow?

What if I waste all my time, money, emotions and she does…nothing?

What if I stare at the dirt hoping and praying and it just keeps looking like dirt? I mean, not that she’s dirt, but you know, not living up to her growth potential and all that.

And God just said, you’re planting seeds, Amy. Give it time. Give it what it needs to flourish. It’s supposed to work this way.

I’m so scared of the risk and doubtful of the growth but I know it has to be better than never planting the seed at all.

Work Shift: Review and Giveaway

September 17, 2012 by Amy 17 Comments

Ten years ago today I was two months into my first temporary telecommuting arrangement with my employer. Scott had just moved Columbia for his first work assignment with the Highway Patrol in June of 2002 and in July, Emma and I moved with him, willing to say goodbye to my job in Charlotte.

Whatever project I was working on saved my job as my manager let me lug a desktop to Columbia to finish it from home. The rest, as they say, is history. I’m writing this from my home computer, just 30 minutes before I’ll switch over to my work laptop for the day. When I would be commuting up to an hour, I get to squeeze things in like blogging and doing laundry.

Ten years ago I was the only professional mom I knew working from home. Other telecommuters existed but they were few and far between and usually they were folks that had a dedicated office at the house and had other arrangements for their kids during work hours.

For good or bad, my kids have grown up with me at home, busy at my laptop for the bulk of the day. My coworkers call them “office-trained”. Scott’s schedule and family help has been key for us making it all work. So far I look back and it’s been ideal for all of us.

As technology has grown in the past ten years, so has telecommuting. Little did I know as the years went by, that there were thousands of others mothers jostling for their own work at home arrangement in a myriad of ways. All I knew was our little family was doing everything we could to make it all work. My friend Anne is another one of those mothers that was carving out a new work arrangement for her family.

Anne has written her story, my story (I’m in a book!) and a dozen other mother’s stories in her new book Work Shift: How to Create a Better Blend of Work, Life, and Family. Anne describes the shift of work life from a wide lens, giving history all the way before Industrial Revolution. I was surprised to see that my hustle and bustle of working from home was just a small slice of the Internet Revolution fall-out and a larger group of mothers trying to make it all blend a little better.

If you’re a mother that’s already working or thinking about going back to work and want a better picture of how to make it all work at home with your family, I can’t recommend Work Shift enough. Anne tells the stories of those of us already doing it and gives you tips on how to make it work for you.

I’d love to give a copy of Work Shift. Leave a comment for each of these and I’ll draw a random name with random.org on Friday for a FREE copy of Work Shift:

Required

Leave a comment telling me how you blend work and family—or if you don’t and want to!

Optional

Enter a comment if you follow me on Twitter
Enter a comment if you subscribe to Permission to Peruse

Good luck!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED! Amy, you are the winner!

Fall 2012 TV

September 14, 2012 by Amy 10 Comments

Fall TV season is upon us! While my relationship with TV has changed drastically over the last few years, I still find I have quite a few shows on tap to watch for the fall.

This season will be especially interesting as it’s my first ever without cable. I’ll be relying on Hulu Plus and *gasp* live TV.

Here’s the rundown for what else I’m watching:

Sunday

Once Upon a Time – This show continually got better but I wasn’t sold on the Season 1 Finale. I’m going to continue to check it out for a few episodes to see if it’s worth it. It’s on Hulu, so watching at leisure is a plus.

Revenge – Revenge is in a very similar boat with Once Upon a Time. The season got better but now I’m not sure I like the direction it’s heading. Another Hulu one I’ll keep on tap for a few episodes.

Monday

Revolution – This is a series premiere I at least want to check out. I have no idea if I’ll like it but the previews intrigued me enough.

Chicago Fire – This looks hot. Get it? Hot. Fire…firemen…ok, ok, sorry. Seriously, though, it’s Chase from House with an American accent. I mean, we owe it to Dr. House to check it out.

Tuesday

Parenthood – Parenthood remains one of my favorite dramas on TV. Very relatable to our life, especially since Julia adopted an older boy in the finale of last season.

Nashville – Connie Britton aka Tami Taylor is starring in this and there’s no way I’m going to miss it. I really, really hope I like it for her sake.

Wednesday

Modern Family – This remains one of the only shows that me and Scott will watch together. This is not going anywhere. However, we *just* caught up with the last few episodes of last season last week.

Thursday –

Big Bang Theory – I still haven’t caught up with last season but this show is still one of our favorite comedies and I will watch this season. I’m just not sure it will be this fall.

Does anyone remember when Friday night was the best night of TV? *sigh* I miss T.G.I.F.

Other honorable mentions. I’m interested but not sure I’ll commit:

Mob Doctor – FNL’s “Matt Saracen” is in this so I feel obligated to watch but I’m kind of over the whole doctor drama thing.

666 Park Avenue – I feel like it should be good with “John Locke” in it. However, One Tree Hill’s “Clay” is staring and that makes me as nervous about it as the “666”.

Animal Practice – I’ve heard mixed reviews of this sitcom but it has CW’s Joanna Garcia in it so I feel like I should at least check it out.

Beauty and the Beast – Everyone knows I’m a sucker for CW and Beauty and the Best is my favorite Disney movie. Might have to check this one out.

Elementary – I’m head over heels for the British remake Sherlock so this American remake intrigues me. I can’t imagine it will live up though.

OK, friends, tell me what shows you’re dying to watch!

*image credit: ABC

Dear Me

September 13, 2012 by Amy 4 Comments

Dear 16 year old Amy,

Could you spare a few minutes from your new boyfriend to read this letter? I know it will be hard. You can’t seem to take your eyes or hands off of him, but I know you’re smart and really want to do the right thing so listen up.

That boy that has stolen your attention? You’re right–he’s a keeper. He’ll make you crazy and you’re gonna go through some hard things together but he’s worth hanging on to. So enjoy all those kisses, the glazed over eyes and yes, even the cheesy poems and letters. It doesn’t last forever.

But the waiting? It’s worth the judgment and the explanations and all the no’s. Your wedding night is awkward and painful and not anything like the movies but it will be all kinds of good and right and you do get better. So much better.

Quit worrying about that cute boy at church who said you were ugly. He’ll grow up and still won’t be able to take his eyes off himself long enough to realize he was wrong.

And that girl you want to be just like? She’s beautiful and great and all. But so are you. I wish you’d realize you just need to be you instead of a poor carbon copy of some other girl.

Stop obsessing over your waistline.

Relax, please. I know your mom wants you to do your best at school and you do too but that doesn’t mean you have to do THE best. Study a little less and spend time with your friends and family a little more.

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Those moments you have with God where tears drip on your Bible and you hug your pillow tight? Trust those. He’s really real and He’ll keep meeting you over and over and saving you over and over.

And on that note, quit trying to be so perfect so He loves you more. No matter what you do, He’ll still be there. Give yourself some grace. I’m not telling you to purposefully screw up, but don’t be scared and fearful when you do.

And more than that, quit expecting everyone else to be so perfect. You and your friends are just kids right now and for goodness sakes, you’re all just human. No one ever really figures life out and gets it right. The best thing you can do is love with abandon and not judgment.

But that love you feel for the ignored and the hurt? Follow that more. You’ll still feel that way later and it will lead you down the right paths.

Let go of the fear. All of it.

Appreciate your parents even more than you do. You don’t realize it but not everyone has parents like yours. Say thank you more, hug them more and don’t complain so much when you have to wash dishes.

Please pay more attention in English. You think you’re a math whiz, but it turns out you kind of like that writing business.

Now if I know you and I think I do, you’ll make this in to a checklist and try to follow it to a T. Don’t. Just throw it away. Throw all your lists away and just enjoy life a little more. Maybe you’ll help me finally learn how to let go.

Love,

34 Year Old You

This post was written in part for the launch of Emily Freeman’s book Graceful.

Maternity Shirt Shopping

September 12, 2012 by Amy 9 Comments

Pictured above is me and my sister at my mom’s house Monday night for her birthday. We went out to eat and then had cupcakes at her house. The weather just turned cooler this week so I was glad to finally slip on my beloved jeans. Apparently my sister was too. Although we’re known for wearing matching outfits on accident. That’s a whole other post! But there’s a secret about the tops we’re wearing.

We’re both wearing maternity shirts.

Yep. My sister started wearing a maternity shirt after my pregnancies a few years ago. Then recently, she bought this blue striped tee. She said it’s comfy and she thinks the cut is flattering. I agree.

I thought I never wanted to see another maternity shirt again after my pregnancies. But. My girls are obsessed with anything to do with pregnancies and babies right now. We have a local maternity shop call The Bump in town and they just beg me to even go look inside. Last week we went in and I was bemoaning how cute maternity clothes had become compared to 8-10 years ago when I was pregnant.

I was pushing through the Clearance rack and saw this green and white striped top. The girls know I love stripes and just begged me to put it on. To appease them, I did. I got it on and was shocked. I loved the length. I loved the folds in the front. They weren’t slouching too much as you might expect of maternity and the cut was actually flattering. The stretchy fabric was extremely soft and well, stretchy.

The salesperson said many maternity pieces are being made now to perform double-duty and this one in particular was meant to have a tighter fit. I remembered Heather wearing maternity before, and well, I was sold. Well, it was sold.

My girls were beyond thrilled. We’re still working on not telling everyone we see that I’m wearing a maternity shirt when I have it on.

Now, I’m not saying I’m buying strictly maternity but I’m just sayin’ you might want to give that clearance rack a little whirl. For those of you that have been recently pregnant and aren’t entirely sick of your maternity wardrobe, dig up those bags of Goodwill clothes and see what you can reuse. Worked for me!

This post is linked to What I Wore Wednesday and Works for me Wednesday