I have recently had one of those Ah Hah! moments were I realied the following... Life is all about attitude and if you want to change your life the best way to do so is by changing your attitude about life. So, I have decided to live everyday as if it is the best day ever. This recognition came from watching Sponge Bob, so all you anti-sponge bobers out there you might wanna rethink your feelings about him. I am including the following clip from Sponge Bob that showcases my new attitude and new favorite song!!!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Repost cause nobody responded
This was sent to me in an email. I found it so hillarious that I had to post it! I am considering changing my language to Spanish, what about you?
THE FINAL WORD ON NUTRITION
After an exhaustive review of the research literature, here's the final word on nutrition and health.:
1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
4. Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
5. Germans drink beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
6. The French eat foie-gras, full fat cheese and drink red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
THE FINAL WORD ON NUTRITION
After an exhaustive review of the research literature, here's the final word on nutrition and health.:
1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
4. Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
5. Germans drink beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
6. The French eat foie-gras, full fat cheese and drink red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
More info about me
SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter. I can't stand being hot. Also, I love the snow. I love waking up after it had snowed and looking outside at the earth covered in white1 It is so peaceful and serene.
HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on who's giving them. From Aqeel and the kids kisses and more kisses. From friends hugs. From people I don't know very well I don't really like physical contact.
FAVORITE DESSERT? Can you really only have one favorite dessert? I guess I would have to say Elizabeth's carmel cookie bars warmed ala mode.
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? the New testament. I know it sounds cliche, butI don't have time to read so my scripture study is about all the reading I can do.
WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have one. I use a laptop.
WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Pride and Prejudice the one with Kiera Knightly, not my favorite, but it was better than anything else on TV.
FAVORITE SOUND? The first time a baby gives a good belly laugh.
WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? Pensacola Florida, when we picked up Aqeel from Officer Candidate School. Not exciting, but it is the farthest. Someday I hope to say Europe, but with the way the world is and the amount of money I have I will probably never make it. Oh, well.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Singing and looking for the good in people.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN? La Grande, Oregon.
HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on who's giving them. From Aqeel and the kids kisses and more kisses. From friends hugs. From people I don't know very well I don't really like physical contact.
FAVORITE DESSERT? Can you really only have one favorite dessert? I guess I would have to say Elizabeth's carmel cookie bars warmed ala mode.
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? the New testament. I know it sounds cliche, butI don't have time to read so my scripture study is about all the reading I can do.
WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have one. I use a laptop.
WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Pride and Prejudice the one with Kiera Knightly, not my favorite, but it was better than anything else on TV.
FAVORITE SOUND? The first time a baby gives a good belly laugh.
WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? Pensacola Florida, when we picked up Aqeel from Officer Candidate School. Not exciting, but it is the farthest. Someday I hope to say Europe, but with the way the world is and the amount of money I have I will probably never make it. Oh, well.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Singing and looking for the good in people.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN? La Grande, Oregon.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Mothering
This term in my sex & gender class we talked a lot about womanly roles. We had a very intense discussion on women working in the home and the workforce at the same time vs. mothers who stay at home with their children. Most of the people in my class are working mothers and so they believed that a woman can be an effective mother and provider at the same time. Last night I was watching Gray's Anatomy and was very impressed when Dr. Bailey had finally "seen the big picture" and realized she couldn't have it all and get 100% out of all of it. It really impressed me that Hollywood finally showed that we have limits and that sometimes the things that are most important in life (families) are not worth loosing to successes in the workplace.
I believe that no achievement in this life will give me more satisfaction than that of being a mother. I would love to go out in the world and help counsel all the psychological disorders out there, but to do so I would have to sacrifice my biggest priority, my children. I am not trying to say that a person is wrong for wanting to make successes outside of the home, everyone has the right to their opinion. All I am saying is that for me, and I wish more women, my role as mother and nurturer is the most gratifying and sustaining job I could ask for. There are two quotes that I love about mothering. One from J. Reuben Clark,
"motherhood is near to divinity, the highest holiest service to be assumed by mankind."
The other from Jane Clayson Johnson,
"The world can only value mothering to the extent that women everywhere stand and declare that it must be so. In our hands we hold the power to transform the perception of motherhood...we should no longer allow a mother to be defined as 'just a mom.' It is on her back that nations are built."
If any of us are doubting our roles as mothers or are, as we all feel from time to time, overwhelmed with this role we have taken on I recommend reading Clayson Johnson's book, I Am A Mother. Motherhood is the most divine calling and I would ask what are we as women and mothers doing to change the perception of mothers in this world? Are we finding joy in our work and showing that joy to others? Or, are we just treading through the muck of daily life? Are we taking on every new day and every new challenge with excitement and inspiration because of the Lord's trust in us as mothers? Or, are we allowing ourselves to feel overwhelmed and exhausted by our challenges? The Lord gives us challenges to show us who we are, are we ready to find out? Sometimes I struggle with these things, but in the end I have realized the joy of discovering just who I am and what I can do as a woman, wife and mother. I am grateful for these discoveries!
I believe that no achievement in this life will give me more satisfaction than that of being a mother. I would love to go out in the world and help counsel all the psychological disorders out there, but to do so I would have to sacrifice my biggest priority, my children. I am not trying to say that a person is wrong for wanting to make successes outside of the home, everyone has the right to their opinion. All I am saying is that for me, and I wish more women, my role as mother and nurturer is the most gratifying and sustaining job I could ask for. There are two quotes that I love about mothering. One from J. Reuben Clark,
"motherhood is near to divinity, the highest holiest service to be assumed by mankind."
The other from Jane Clayson Johnson,
"The world can only value mothering to the extent that women everywhere stand and declare that it must be so. In our hands we hold the power to transform the perception of motherhood...we should no longer allow a mother to be defined as 'just a mom.' It is on her back that nations are built."
If any of us are doubting our roles as mothers or are, as we all feel from time to time, overwhelmed with this role we have taken on I recommend reading Clayson Johnson's book, I Am A Mother. Motherhood is the most divine calling and I would ask what are we as women and mothers doing to change the perception of mothers in this world? Are we finding joy in our work and showing that joy to others? Or, are we just treading through the muck of daily life? Are we taking on every new day and every new challenge with excitement and inspiration because of the Lord's trust in us as mothers? Or, are we allowing ourselves to feel overwhelmed and exhausted by our challenges? The Lord gives us challenges to show us who we are, are we ready to find out? Sometimes I struggle with these things, but in the end I have realized the joy of discovering just who I am and what I can do as a woman, wife and mother. I am grateful for these discoveries!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Yummy!
Here is my latest recipie. It's pan fried chicken and stuffing with cranberries topped with a garlic and onion sauce with steamed brocolli and cranberries on the side.
4-6 chicken tenders
1tbsp EVOO
1/2 a small sweet onion
1 yellow bell pepper
1 1/2 cloves of fresh garlic (minced)
salt and pepper
1/2 package stuffing
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
handfull of dried cranberries
handfull of honey roasted peanuts
sauce:
3tbsp butter
3tbsp flour
1 clove fresh garlic (minced)
1 tbsp dried chopped onion
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup water
salt and pepper
Cook the onions and peppers in oil til tender. Add garlic and chicken pan fry for about 3-5 mins. Premix stuffing and chicken stock. Add stuffing to chicken and sprinkle with cranberries and peanuts. Cover with lid and cook another 5 mins over med low heat.
For sauce: Start with a rue. Melt butter in pan and add flour. Cook for a few mins. Add garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and water. Cook about 5 mins or until desired thickness.
Steam brocolli with cranberries.
4-6 chicken tenders
1tbsp EVOO
1/2 a small sweet onion
1 yellow bell pepper
1 1/2 cloves of fresh garlic (minced)
salt and pepper
1/2 package stuffing
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
handfull of dried cranberries
handfull of honey roasted peanuts
sauce:
3tbsp butter
3tbsp flour
1 clove fresh garlic (minced)
1 tbsp dried chopped onion
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup water
salt and pepper
Cook the onions and peppers in oil til tender. Add garlic and chicken pan fry for about 3-5 mins. Premix stuffing and chicken stock. Add stuffing to chicken and sprinkle with cranberries and peanuts. Cover with lid and cook another 5 mins over med low heat.
For sauce: Start with a rue. Melt butter in pan and add flour. Cook for a few mins. Add garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and water. Cook about 5 mins or until desired thickness.
Steam brocolli with cranberries.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My Favorite Place
I have blogged about Biltmore House before, but this time I went with the girls and it was so much fun!
At the Biltmore house they have a farm with sheep, horses, and chickens that the kids can play in and feed/pet the animals. It was a lot of fun and the girls really enjoyed themselves.
It was also the festival of flowers so we took some fun pictures in the conservatory and gardens.
There were these statues along the path to the gardens. Aysia wouldn't stand in front of them for the picture because the woman was topless and you could see her "boobs." "Grose," she said!
At the Biltmore house they have a farm with sheep, horses, and chickens that the kids can play in and feed/pet the animals. It was a lot of fun and the girls really enjoyed themselves.
It was also the festival of flowers so we took some fun pictures in the conservatory and gardens.
There were these statues along the path to the gardens. Aysia wouldn't stand in front of them for the picture because the woman was topless and you could see her "boobs." "Grose," she said!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
I have lost something!
I have lost something, rather someone, and would like to get her back. I am friends with a woman who refuses to blog. If any of you know her and can contact her would you please tell her how much I miss her and desperately want her to start blogging so that I can keep in touch with her better. Here is a picture of her(that I kidnapped from Laura's blog, thanks Laura)....
Please note that I am refering to the woman in red. If you know this woman please help me to recruit her to the world of blogging!
Please note that I am refering to the woman in red. If you know this woman please help me to recruit her to the world of blogging!
The Truths of Nutrition
This was sent to me in an email. I found it so hillarious that I had to post it! I am considering changing my language to Spanish, what about you?
THE FINAL WORD ON NUTRITION
After an exhaustive review of the research literature, here's the final word on nutrition and health.:
1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
4. Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
5. Germans drink beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
6. The French eat foie-gras, full fat cheese and drink red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
THE FINAL WORD ON NUTRITION
After an exhaustive review of the research literature, here's the final word on nutrition and health.:
1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
4. Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
5. Germans drink beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
6. The French eat foie-gras, full fat cheese and drink red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Aysia's Baptism
Aysia turned 8 yesterday and was baptized!! We are so proud of her and her decision! She was able to wear her third white dress that I made for her. (the others were blessing and when she was sealed to Aqeel and I) As with all first borns Aysia's baptism was an experiment in learning for us. Here are some of the things we forgot to plan for... a pianist for the program, an actual program, a camera (luckily someone else brought theirs), Aqeel forgot the words in the baptism prayer, and also Aqeel forgot to iron his pants. So, for Amaya and Jr we will be better prepared, I hope! Here are some pictures of her special day!
Her white dress
Aysia and Daddy!
Aysia and Mommy!
Her white dress
Aysia and Daddy!
Aysia and Mommy!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother
My Mother was a shining example to me. She was kind. She read her scriptures and said her prayers both day and night. She served both individuals and in her callings with 110% effort all the time. She was a peacemaker. She loved her children even when we made it hard, and we did so regularly. She worked hard at keeping the commandments and other covenants that she made with the Lord. She loved her husband. She taught me many things among which are a love for books and cooking. She always wanted everyone to be happy in their life and in the choices they made. She loved her grandchildren. She was always there at special events when she could be. She was a hard worker. She ran her own answering service and worked 12 hr days five days a week up until the day she died.
I have great memories of my mom, but some of my favorites are hearing her laugh and seeing her holding her brand new grandbabies. She loved new babies. She would hold them on her chest and you could just see a peace come over her and you knew that she was making a special connection with that child. I remember her as my primary teacher. She had such a gift for teaching and every kid in her class loved her lessons(maybe it was the candy she would bring but still she was good). I remember for my first prom, I was a sophmore, I had spent many hours making my dress and it was perfect. Two days before the prom my mother decided to iron it and burnt a hole right on the center of the dress. There was no way it could be hid and so she went over to our neighbors house, who was a pro seamstress, and in two days they recreated my dress. I remember being so mad that she ruined it, but so grateful that she fixed it. I remember when Aysia was born and my mother was there in the hosptial right by my side. Even though the circumstances were not ideal, she was there supporting me in my decision. She was the first one to see and hold Aysia. She sat in the nursery with her until I had recovered from the c-section (about 2hrs after delivery). Because of my mothers actions and support I know whithout a doubt in my heart that she loves me so much and that she loves my children and husband also. So, mom even though you are no longer on this earth your presence is still felt and we love you!!
More Changes
So my blog address has changed to fit our new name change. I hope I don't loose track of any blogging friends this way, but you gotta roll with the punches, I mean changes.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Changes
Life is full of changes, but for us this is a significant one. We have decided to change our last name. Soon, I will no longer be known as Alisa Rasheed. This decision was influenced by Aqeel's father. There is a story behind this and I will give you the short version. Before Aqeel was born his parents were members of the Religion of Islam. When they were fully converted into the faith the custom was to take on an Islamic name. My father went from Edward Johnson to Idris Rasheed. When Aqeel was born his parents named him Aqeel Amir Johnson, as they had not fully converted. Upon conversion Aqeel's last name was changed to Rasheed. Since 9/11 Aqeel's father has been considering changing his name back. When he heard of our current struggle to find work, he was reminded of how hard it was for him to find work here in the south with an Islamic name (wished he would have thought of mentioning that to us earlier). So, he decided to change his name and has offered for us to be able to file with his lawyer, at no cost to us, so that we too can change our name to whatever we want. When all the paper work is filed and we receive court approval Aqeel, the kids and I will forever, as long as we don't change it again, be known as the Johnson family. I am sure it will be wierd at first, but we will all quickly adjust to it.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
My life it seems is pretty boring. I wake up everyday to the same deal; clean, cook, clean, play with kids, clean, cook, clean, entertain husband, put everyone to bed and zone out in front of the tv until I can fall asleep. However, today was quite eventful.
Aqeel had today off, that's right he has found some part time work until the right job comes along selling cars at Kia. Since Aqeel was home we decided to do yard work before Jr and Amaya's check-ups. In the south Bermuda is the grass of choice and we also grow weeds better than grass. Bermuda does really well in the heat and goes dormant in the winter. It also loves the sand. So, today we spread fertilizer with weed killer followed by a layer of sand on the lawn that was freshly cut. It was fun being out in the yard with Aqeel. I have found that I like working side by side with Aqeel doing projects.
Then the kids and I were off to the Dr. Amaya and Jr were both scheduled for shots. Brave Amaya went first and didn't even cry for her shot. Jr cried, but did well. Then we went into the lab for the finger prick. Amaya graciously let Jr go first (so nice of her)and Jr cried so hard he couldn't even breathe. When it was Amaya's turn she was not having any of it. So, here I am sitting in the chair with Jr on one knee (still crying) and pulling Amaya by the arm over to me so that she can have her finger prick. Amaya struggled so hard I couldn't believe that I was even able to get her to cooperate. When all was said and done, and two suckers later we began to leave, but Amaya made me stop before we walked out into the waiting room so that she could wipe the tears from her face. She said she didn't want anyone laughing at her or calling her a baby for crying. It was so funny to me. We finished off the day with a london broil steak and mashed potatoes dinner. My house is a complete disaster and I am exhausted, but we had a good day.
Aqeel had today off, that's right he has found some part time work until the right job comes along selling cars at Kia. Since Aqeel was home we decided to do yard work before Jr and Amaya's check-ups. In the south Bermuda is the grass of choice and we also grow weeds better than grass. Bermuda does really well in the heat and goes dormant in the winter. It also loves the sand. So, today we spread fertilizer with weed killer followed by a layer of sand on the lawn that was freshly cut. It was fun being out in the yard with Aqeel. I have found that I like working side by side with Aqeel doing projects.
Then the kids and I were off to the Dr. Amaya and Jr were both scheduled for shots. Brave Amaya went first and didn't even cry for her shot. Jr cried, but did well. Then we went into the lab for the finger prick. Amaya graciously let Jr go first (so nice of her)and Jr cried so hard he couldn't even breathe. When it was Amaya's turn she was not having any of it. So, here I am sitting in the chair with Jr on one knee (still crying) and pulling Amaya by the arm over to me so that she can have her finger prick. Amaya struggled so hard I couldn't believe that I was even able to get her to cooperate. When all was said and done, and two suckers later we began to leave, but Amaya made me stop before we walked out into the waiting room so that she could wipe the tears from her face. She said she didn't want anyone laughing at her or calling her a baby for crying. It was so funny to me. We finished off the day with a london broil steak and mashed potatoes dinner. My house is a complete disaster and I am exhausted, but we had a good day.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
more trivia
Here are some more of those fun questions. Hopefully my children will get a kick out of these years from now.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes and then their shoes. I feel that you can tell a lot about people by their eyes and shoes.
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Physically, my weight. Mentally, my inability to say no to people.
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Mother.
WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
No shoes. I do not like wearing shoes, but when I do wear them it's usually flip flops.
WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Dinner: Spaghetti, Strawberries, and Texas Cheese Toast.
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Nothing, but my recent favorite is old school Notorious BIG or Classical. Weird combination I know, but I don't listen to them together. I listen to music depending on my mood. When I want to be jazzed up, hip hop. When I want to mellow out classical. I love Steven Sharpe Nelsons Classic Chelo.
FAVORITE SMELLS?
The smell of the house filled with meat smell. Growing up on Sundays my mom always cooked either a ham or pot roast for dinner while we were at church so we always came home to a house that smelled like dinner. I loved it and still do!
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My sister Staci who is my other best friend (Aqeel being my first BF).
FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Basketball, Football, and baseball if AT the game.
FAVORITE FOOD?
Steak and Potatoes.
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings, but mostly I like the ones that make you think.
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Lions For Lambs with Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, and Meryl Streep. Great movie about engaging in the world around us and what we can do to make it better or make a difference. Very thought provoking.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes and then their shoes. I feel that you can tell a lot about people by their eyes and shoes.
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Physically, my weight. Mentally, my inability to say no to people.
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Mother.
WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
No shoes. I do not like wearing shoes, but when I do wear them it's usually flip flops.
WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Dinner: Spaghetti, Strawberries, and Texas Cheese Toast.
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Nothing, but my recent favorite is old school Notorious BIG or Classical. Weird combination I know, but I don't listen to them together. I listen to music depending on my mood. When I want to be jazzed up, hip hop. When I want to mellow out classical. I love Steven Sharpe Nelsons Classic Chelo.
FAVORITE SMELLS?
The smell of the house filled with meat smell. Growing up on Sundays my mom always cooked either a ham or pot roast for dinner while we were at church so we always came home to a house that smelled like dinner. I loved it and still do!
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My sister Staci who is my other best friend (Aqeel being my first BF).
FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Basketball, Football, and baseball if AT the game.
FAVORITE FOOD?
Steak and Potatoes.
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings, but mostly I like the ones that make you think.
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Lions For Lambs with Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, and Meryl Streep. Great movie about engaging in the world around us and what we can do to make it better or make a difference. Very thought provoking.
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