Yearly Archives: 2011

Spring Cleaning for Your Family Budget

March 2, 2011financesKirsetin

Northerners have had more than our fair share of winter this year, which means one thing come spring: it’s time to dig out. The dirty little secret of hibernation is that your stuff hibernates, too.

But what about your finances? Has your budget been hibernating along with your stuff?

If so, and you’re ready to get things in order, check out my post about setting a budget together, over at Blissfully Domestic today.

Dear Tres Cugini, Was that Swordfish or Chicken?

February 26, 2011foodKirsetin

Dear Very Expensive Italian Restaurant,

Here are a few ideas:

If you run a restaurant where entrees cost $28 and $32 and don’t include a salad, the entree should look and taste Spectacular. (see: The Chop House)
Even if your entrees cost $10, your wait staff should be Very Good. At your prices, the wait staff should be Excellent, which ours was not. He was snooty and seemed bothered to have us for customers. I think Bistro Bella Vita would be happy to take our money next time.
See # 1. That was the worst excuse for swordfish I have ever seen.

Thank goodness the conversation with great friends made up for it. But you can bet that next time we’ll enjoy each other’s company at Leo’s or Rose’s or even Noodles, who’s employees always seem thrilled to have our business. And don’t accept tips.

I’ve been to Italy, dear sirs, and I’ve never eaten a single meal there that approached that dismal dish you served me last night. For shame.

Without hope for your improvement,

A former and rather disgusted customer

Speed Limits Aren’t Suggestions?

February 23, 2011faith, lifeKirsetin

Discovery: It’s nearly impossible to go EXACTLY the speed limit. Especially for me.

Here’s the back story: I’m helping lead a study at our church called Starting Point, developed by North Point Community Church in Georgia, which encourages people to be thoughtful about their faith. I like the class because I find that it has something to offer for everyone, from people who are just testing the waters to see if this Jesus thing is a scam or could be the real deal, to people who accepted Jesus as the son of God when they were 5 and have been walking in faith ever since.

At the end of each week, the lesson offers a challenge to us for the following week, which is somehow related to the lesson. Next week, we’re reading about God’s law and discussing why the law isn’t a condition of a relationship with him, but a confirmation of one.

The fun challenge: To see if we can obey the speed limit to the letter of the law. To the very number posted, my friends.

As we laughed over how tough this would be, the leader for the week asked us all to try to recall for next weekend when during the week we cracked.

I barely made it out of the parking lot.

This was not intentional. I planned to follow exactly. Really, I did. But I have such a habit, I am such a believer in the 55-really-means-58-or-59, that I do it by default. I know, for example, that on the road leading away from church I drive 48. And so I just did. Without even thinking about it.

Less than 4 minutes after I left the building, I laughed aloud when I looked down at my speedometer. Failed already?

Sometimes life is like that, isn’t it? Thank goodness for grace. And a road without speed traps.