new slant on an old love

I've had a long history of loving popcorn. I think now, more than ever, it has become one of my favorite foods.

One Christmas Ed bought me a huge jug full of kernels for my hand-turned style popcorn maker. I then went over to the microwave popcorn side. For years I was so-so in love with the 3 minute, fast made popcorn in a bag.

About a month ago, I was craving popcorn. Really craving it. To the point that I was ready to go out to the store just to buy some. I knew the handy bags were gone, so I started searching for some loose kernels. I knew I had some around somewhere. Alas, I found the jar with some kernels in it, but then went to look for my hand-turned style popper and then sadly remembered I sent it to Goodwill as it was no longer functional to my taste.

Think, think, think. Then! Then I thought I'd try it in a pan on the stove. Have never done this before, but I was really wanting that popcorn. For those that know me, you would be proud that I didn't even search the internet for a recipe on how much oil to use vs. kernels. I poured in oil, poured in kernels, lidded it, and started shaking over the hot flame.

After that first bowl, I was hooked. I don't believe I can go back to the 3 minute bag option. All kernels pop, which leaves less to throw away, I only put a bit of butter and salt on and off I go. And for $2 a bag, it can't be beat.

Ahhhh popcorn. I think I'll make some tonight.

day 3

This morning I get back in the saddle again to bike to VBS down the road. 4 trips total. It is only 1.4 miles there and going takes only 6 minutes. Coming home takes much longer as it is all up hill. And pulling 50 pounds up hill is not the most fun thing to do. Day one I had to walk part way up. Day two I barely (and I mean barely) made it up. I couldn't shift down any more gears. But I somehow did it without stopping until we got home. In the middle of this hill, while Sam is doing circles around me, this tiny voice comes from the back.

"Mommy? Why are we going so slow? I want to go faster please!"

At least she used her manners.

from here

today was the day of no turning back.
the point of no return.

today we sealed our decision with 4 one-way tickets to Seattle.

no, the house hasn't sold.
no, we don't know where we're going to live or work.
we don't know a lot.

but one thing we do know. after more prayer than we even thought possible, seeking His word, and more prayer, we're taking a risk God has planted in our hearts to do and we're doing it. we can't disobey. this is truly a step of faith.

a step that's happening in 3 1/2 weeks. August 16th, we're getting on a plane at 3:00 pm to fly to the other side of the country without a return flight planned.

until christmas.

Two things I think are great surprises for myself.

1. Forgetting that I folded all laundry from the dryer, go to do laundry, open the dryer and find there are no clothes to fold. Score!

2. Forgetting I cleaned out the dishwasher, go to get ready to do the daily, unexciting task of cleaning out the dishwasher just so it can be loaded again, open the dishwasher to find it only 1/4 of the way full of dirty dishes! Ahhhhh bliss.

Either I'm becoming forgetful or I'm in such a sad state that an empty dryer and barely full dishwasher become such exciting things that help make my day.

Probably a bit of both.