I did this for Facebook, but I know some of my readers don't have access to that.
So it is supposed to be 25 Random Things, Facts, or Goals about you. Here they are!
1. I am caught between the ultimate procrastinator and the overachiever. When I procrastinate, I do it to the exact last second. If I choose not to procrastinate, I over work and obsess about it till it is perfect. There is no happy medium.
2. I was considered strange when I was a Junior High Tweeny. I never had a crush on a movie star, boy band, or other unattainable celebrity. I was against any notion of a boyfriend and even gave a few people hard times for going steady even if they weren't "dating" before they were sixteen.
3. I think I was considered strange for more reasons than that, but I don't know the actual reasons why. I thought I was pretty likable, yet I never really fit in. I finally decided that is because of the next reason.
4. I can relate to anyone, pretty much anywhere. I never had a certain clique in high school because I wanted to do it all, and be involved with everything. I hung out with the cowboys/girls in Safford, the business geeks at FBLA, the 4-H group, the band and music geeks, the athletes during track and I loved to be a loner and read for hours at a time. Talk about a walking contradiction.
5. I used to get very upset and ticked off if someone couldn't remember my name. I made it a priority to retain names and faces (business sense kicking in) and was thoroughly ticked off if someone couldn't remember my name later the same day they met me. It's not like there are hundreds of LEXA's running around! (I have let this go, realizing that because it is unusual it is easy to mix it up with more common names).
6. I learned to speed read in 5th grade and would zoom through 2 or 3 books a day through junior high and high school. I am not so happy I have this skill now because I can't stop, and books that have high contextual information such as Lord of the Rings or Twilight I miss a lot of details.
7. I can read at a high vocabulary level, but I almost never can pronounce them right because I haven't heard the words out loud. I have embarrassed myself trying to say them out loud with words such as superfluous, faux pas, and other "high-falutin" language found in Stephenie Meyer books.
8. I make friends easier most times with men than women. Most likely because I was raised with four brothers, each being very unique and having a different personality than the other. Thankfully my husband understands this part of me and knows when I chat on the phone or online with one of my guy friends it is just that. FRIENDS.
9. My husband and I are about as close as someone could be to the term "Soul Mates" My great-grandfather baptized his great-grandfather and talked him into moving to Arizona from Alabama. Our mother's families were neighbors and great friends for three generations. We both went to the same dances, activities, parties, etc. for years (from the time I was 12). We all knew the same people, and I was his Uncle's student in school. We now remember smiling at each other at the Conoco in Duncan and Jerry's at Safford, but never met until the time was perfect in both our lives. Yes, It was meant to be :)
10. I have always had this fear of some tragic ending to either my life or someone I am close to. Perhaps it is a little bit of Anne Shirley coming through, but I just knew I was going to die a strange and crazy death in my teens. Now that I am older, I feel the same way that something crazy is going to take me, my husband or other family. It is irrational, but I still can't shake the feeling.
11. People laugh at me when I say my favorite food is Cucumbers.
12. I love to garden, plant trees, design landscapes, and work in the dirt. I loved our new home in Sahuarita because it was an open slate, nothing there but the canvas ready to plant all sorts of trees and flowers with. I had a dream the other night I went back and they let everything die, and I cried.
13. I get overly ambitious. Really overly ambitious. This one got me in trouble. We bought the home in Saint David, and not only had to take over a dying orchard, I decided we needed a remodel too. Now neither one is doing great, and I have learned my lesson to stop shoving a whole elephant in my mouth at once.
14. My husband's career has changed my outlook. I used to be very naive and trusting to anyone, now I am a little more cautious with where I go, what information I share, and who I trust.
15. Music is still my therapy, but I let my skill level go for to many years, and I hate feeling like I can't sing as well as I used to, or play my violin or piano like I could. I have been working on changing that and singing along and out loud as often as I could the past year and it has encouraged my kids to start singing. I am still not going to be singing in public for a very long time, but it helps me out.
16. I long to travel the world, and wanted to live outside the country and help people in third world countries. This one is not really going to happen (see 14) but I realize we have a lot of the same problems here in America and would be happy to travel and live outside of the Southwest at some point in my life.
17. I live vicariously through my friends.
18. I am known as a meddler. I feel I can fix anyone and everyone's problems if they would follow my advice. Most of my friends understand I only do this because I love them and try to help. Others think it is my arrogance.
19. I loved and still love to visit with senior citizens. I would visit all the grandma's around Duncan, help them out with work they had to do, and listen to their stories. My best friend for many years was Ruth Bagnall (75 to my 10) who lived across the street in Duncan, who never married but loved animals. We shared a birthday and a name.
20. I love to read encyclopedias, especially old ones where the facts are wrong now because of new discoveries.
21. I only like a chick flick if the story is well built, and there is a little bit of action to it.
22. One of the things that caught my attention about my husband was that he had watched "The Music Man" and loved old movies and musicals without having to be a music or theater geek. A cowboy who loved old musicals. Yea, you can be jealous girls.
23. I still think of myself as Country and a Cowgirl, though I don't wear boots or ride horses. I think it's the pioneer state of mind.
24. It sort of shocks me when I find women who can't pick up items over 25 pounds. It also shocks me when I find people who don't know how to sew on buttons. I guess I am a snob like that, but I don't mean to be rude.
25. I am an eternal optimistic. I get discouraged easy, but even in the "depths of despair" I feel like there is still hope for sometimes a hopeless situation.
A fun and slightly zany look at the life we call "normal"
January 31, 2009
January 21, 2009
Soooo...
I go through spurts, where I can think of a hundred things to write, and then I go for a few weeks that I can't think of anything.
So here is all the happenings that are so boring they don't deserve their own posts, but posting them will keep me positive and motivated:
The gas line is installed. Mark dug the trench by hand, and it is installed and held pressure. Wow, I might have heat before spring...
The front room lights work, switches and all. I might take a picture of this one. The chandelier was a .99 ebay auction we picked up in phoenix 3 years ago. It was wrought iron, with an arm broken and had sat out on a porch for a couple of years, after playing with it for a half a day my dad got it all together in working order, and we got it installed. It is really beautiful. The two light switches was a different matter altogether. That took 6 hours, as some crazy help we had (one transient or another) totally screwed up the wiring. The ceiling fans are beautiful. Need to find the blades for the other one though :P
The nook has tape and texture and an oak cubby/shelf in place. If only my kids would get used to actually hanging their stuff up there I might have better luck. Oh well, good habits take time I guess.
I have been working on getting kids help at school, and Taylor into preschool. Tomorrow we have more school meetings. Those take up more time than I realize.
Kids are signed up for 4-H. I am setting up to be a leader, but you now need to do fingerprints/background checks/etc. Wow, who knew?
I finally finished "The Host" and actually found I like it a tad bit more than the Twilight series. I hope Stephenie Meyer continues the series.
I finished my first college class, with a perfect score. Now I'm getting in the swing of things, being a student again, I think I can finish these classes a little faster and cut down the amount of time it takes to get that blasted degree.
Mark leaves for a week to camp out with work. I might have a ton to post then....
So here is all the happenings that are so boring they don't deserve their own posts, but posting them will keep me positive and motivated:
The gas line is installed. Mark dug the trench by hand, and it is installed and held pressure. Wow, I might have heat before spring...
The front room lights work, switches and all. I might take a picture of this one. The chandelier was a .99 ebay auction we picked up in phoenix 3 years ago. It was wrought iron, with an arm broken and had sat out on a porch for a couple of years, after playing with it for a half a day my dad got it all together in working order, and we got it installed. It is really beautiful. The two light switches was a different matter altogether. That took 6 hours, as some crazy help we had (one transient or another) totally screwed up the wiring. The ceiling fans are beautiful. Need to find the blades for the other one though :P
The nook has tape and texture and an oak cubby/shelf in place. If only my kids would get used to actually hanging their stuff up there I might have better luck. Oh well, good habits take time I guess.
I have been working on getting kids help at school, and Taylor into preschool. Tomorrow we have more school meetings. Those take up more time than I realize.
Kids are signed up for 4-H. I am setting up to be a leader, but you now need to do fingerprints/background checks/etc. Wow, who knew?
I finally finished "The Host" and actually found I like it a tad bit more than the Twilight series. I hope Stephenie Meyer continues the series.
I finished my first college class, with a perfect score. Now I'm getting in the swing of things, being a student again, I think I can finish these classes a little faster and cut down the amount of time it takes to get that blasted degree.
Mark leaves for a week to camp out with work. I might have a ton to post then....
January 6, 2009
What do you call a business with no real direction?
I would call that a hobby myself. :) But actually I am looking for someone to help us finally think up some names for our businesses. The business is whatever I happen to be doing at the time. We really need a farm name I decided, but have no idea where to start on that one. I also wanted some name for when I make jewelry, or sell makeup, or doing odd jobs that I have been doing of late (websites, data entry, etc.) The reason being that I am tired of using my full name, because lets face it, Google Lexa Montierth, and EVERY SINGLE LISTING is me.
So here's my list of possibilities, most of which won't work. I take after my dad sometimes naming things (Anyone remember Nacho Mama's?) so if some of these sound corny, forgive me.
L-N-M Op. (For Lexa 'n Mark Operations :P)
Huny's Hive (Yea, people won't get why I spelled it that way)
I'm stearing clear of Montierth Farms. No one can pronounce it right.
Come on folks, seriously I have been thinking these things over for a year now. Help a girl out?
So here's my list of possibilities, most of which won't work. I take after my dad sometimes naming things (Anyone remember Nacho Mama's?) so if some of these sound corny, forgive me.
L-N-M Op. (For Lexa 'n Mark Operations :P)
Huny's Hive (Yea, people won't get why I spelled it that way)
I'm stearing clear of Montierth Farms. No one can pronounce it right.
Come on folks, seriously I have been thinking these things over for a year now. Help a girl out?
The Goals~Lexa
Lindsey gave the list, I'm just filling it out :) Thanks for tagging all of us Lindsey.
1. What skill do you most want to learn this year?
Well, I already learned how to cut up a whole chicken, that was something I wanted to learn. I think the skill I most desire though is to develop good study habits. Not only for me, but for my children too!
2. What is one skill you already have that you’d like to improve this year?
I think I want to improve my jewelry making. I really enjoyed doing that last year, and haven't even touched my beads since I moved back to Arizona.
3. Name three books you most definitely want to read in 2009.
The second novel following Hunger Games, whatever the name will be, The Book of Mormon, and The Last Lecture.
4. In what specific area do you most want to encourage your spouse? What are some ways you can do this?
My hubby has issues with perfectionism when it comes to home projects. He is so worried about doing it right, we usually don't start. I think him understanding that even if it's not perfect, its a learning project, perhaps he can let go a little. I can help by never being critical of his work, and heaping on extra gratitude when he finishes.
5. Think of one of your major life goals. What will you do this year to make you one step closer to reaching that goal?
One major life goal is to be completely out of debt. That won't happen this year, but I am going to work at paying off those last few pesky credit cards, and paying more on the cars.
6. Name your kids’ biggest strengths. What are some ways you can specifically nourish those strengths?
Katrina's is drawing and art. Carlie's is singing and dancing. Mace's is sports and getting energy out. Tay's is still developing. I think I am going to help each kid take a few hours each week to improve their talents.
7. Name your kids’ most prominent weakness. What are some ways you can encourage their ability to overcome it?'
All of them are so distracted and disorganized, I am worrying for their own safety even. We're already working with professionals to get things under control.
8. What is one of your strengths? Think of some specific ways you can exercise it this year.
Wow...I don't know. Maybe this can be my goal, to figure out a strength I have.
9. What is one of your weaknesses? Brainstorm some ideas on how you can overcome this deficiency.
What isn't my weakness? LOL
10. Think of an important relationship aside from your spouse and children. How will you nurture that relationship this year?
I am working on connecting with my brothers and parents better. I dont' think we are as close as we could or should be.
11. Name a few ways your physical health could be improved.
Getting back into an exercise routine, and eating more veggies and fruits. I let my kids get away with bland, tasteless foods for too long, we are getting them some new veggie or fruit to try once a week.
12. Name a few ways your family’s financial health could be improved.
See Number 5
13. In what way do you want to draw closer to God?
Getting in a daily habit of scripture study and prayer.
14. What is one area of home management that frustrates you? Think of some specific ways you could improve your attitude about it.
My home is huge, but I still don't have a place for everything and everything in its place. I get overwhelmed with the projects I have to do and give up too easily. I think my attitude towards it would go a long way into getting it done.
15. Have you ever created a family mission statement with your spouse? If so, why not do one for this year?
No, I guess so :P
16. Name one specific thing you could do with your spouse this year that will deepen your intimacy.
Getting to spend time without kids. It seems we always have the kids, and as a family we're strong, but as a couple we don't have the time to reconnect with each other.
17. What is something that is continually undone in your life? What will you do to fully complete it this year?
I seem to always have chaos. ALWAYS. I think if things are going smooth, we're just suppose to be bracing for the next thing. I wonder if I bring it on myself. Accomplishing my other goals might help this one.
18. In what ways will you be involved with your local community?
I am thinking about this one still, because I don't want to over do myself, but I think I want to get involved in the PTO and School. If not that, I will at least be a 4-H leader and participant.
19. What is one thing you’d like to accomplish by your birthday this year?
I want to have my children learn how to swim.
20. Think of three words you’d like to describe your 2009.
Miracle of Miracles
1. What skill do you most want to learn this year?
Well, I already learned how to cut up a whole chicken, that was something I wanted to learn. I think the skill I most desire though is to develop good study habits. Not only for me, but for my children too!
2. What is one skill you already have that you’d like to improve this year?
I think I want to improve my jewelry making. I really enjoyed doing that last year, and haven't even touched my beads since I moved back to Arizona.
3. Name three books you most definitely want to read in 2009.
The second novel following Hunger Games, whatever the name will be, The Book of Mormon, and The Last Lecture.
4. In what specific area do you most want to encourage your spouse? What are some ways you can do this?
My hubby has issues with perfectionism when it comes to home projects. He is so worried about doing it right, we usually don't start. I think him understanding that even if it's not perfect, its a learning project, perhaps he can let go a little. I can help by never being critical of his work, and heaping on extra gratitude when he finishes.
5. Think of one of your major life goals. What will you do this year to make you one step closer to reaching that goal?
One major life goal is to be completely out of debt. That won't happen this year, but I am going to work at paying off those last few pesky credit cards, and paying more on the cars.
6. Name your kids’ biggest strengths. What are some ways you can specifically nourish those strengths?
Katrina's is drawing and art. Carlie's is singing and dancing. Mace's is sports and getting energy out. Tay's is still developing. I think I am going to help each kid take a few hours each week to improve their talents.
7. Name your kids’ most prominent weakness. What are some ways you can encourage their ability to overcome it?'
All of them are so distracted and disorganized, I am worrying for their own safety even. We're already working with professionals to get things under control.
8. What is one of your strengths? Think of some specific ways you can exercise it this year.
Wow...I don't know. Maybe this can be my goal, to figure out a strength I have.
9. What is one of your weaknesses? Brainstorm some ideas on how you can overcome this deficiency.
What isn't my weakness? LOL
10. Think of an important relationship aside from your spouse and children. How will you nurture that relationship this year?
I am working on connecting with my brothers and parents better. I dont' think we are as close as we could or should be.
11. Name a few ways your physical health could be improved.
Getting back into an exercise routine, and eating more veggies and fruits. I let my kids get away with bland, tasteless foods for too long, we are getting them some new veggie or fruit to try once a week.
12. Name a few ways your family’s financial health could be improved.
See Number 5
13. In what way do you want to draw closer to God?
Getting in a daily habit of scripture study and prayer.
14. What is one area of home management that frustrates you? Think of some specific ways you could improve your attitude about it.
My home is huge, but I still don't have a place for everything and everything in its place. I get overwhelmed with the projects I have to do and give up too easily. I think my attitude towards it would go a long way into getting it done.
15. Have you ever created a family mission statement with your spouse? If so, why not do one for this year?
No, I guess so :P
16. Name one specific thing you could do with your spouse this year that will deepen your intimacy.
Getting to spend time without kids. It seems we always have the kids, and as a family we're strong, but as a couple we don't have the time to reconnect with each other.
17. What is something that is continually undone in your life? What will you do to fully complete it this year?
I seem to always have chaos. ALWAYS. I think if things are going smooth, we're just suppose to be bracing for the next thing. I wonder if I bring it on myself. Accomplishing my other goals might help this one.
18. In what ways will you be involved with your local community?
I am thinking about this one still, because I don't want to over do myself, but I think I want to get involved in the PTO and School. If not that, I will at least be a 4-H leader and participant.
19. What is one thing you’d like to accomplish by your birthday this year?
I want to have my children learn how to swim.
20. Think of three words you’d like to describe your 2009.
Miracle of Miracles
I know you are all dying to know...
The butchering went well. Considering Mark's Uncle John did it all :P Actually we started our journey for home-raised chicken in November with 10 starter broilers. We knew when we started we weren't going to save money, just have a better quality product when we were done.
For those interested in the math, we paid 3 dollars a piece for them. These little piggies ate 2 bags of feed at 15 dollars a piece. So 60 dollars for these chickens right? Well, apparently we waited a little too long, and 2 died here at the house the past week, and 2 "chickened out" and died in the box on the way up to be butchered. So we had 6 chickens. We gave one chicken to John for butchering it, so we ended up with 5 chickens at about 4 pounds dressed a piece. So 20 pounds of chicken with bones, minus the backs and necks I gave Ky for broth! So about 3 dollars a pound for natural, nearly kosher chicken.
You can thank me later for not posting all the pictures of hatchets swinging, and kids poking the heads. Yes, the chickens did run around like chickens with their heads cut off though. Should of got a video of that :P Apparently there used to be a headless chicken that lived for months or years that they would take to the county fairs, and feed with an dropper through the neck. John told us this after one didn't stop running/twitching for 20 minutes. I don't think PETA would approve though.
Mark and I did do the cutting up though with the whole birds. I had never cut up a whole chicken before in my life, I am ashamed to say. And seriously, as long as you are careful with the deadly sharp knife, there is nothing to it.
January 1, 2009
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