Since it’s almost time to flip the calendar to a fresh, full-of-possibilities new month, that means it’s also time to reflect on what I learned in April. I love to include a hodgepodge of things–the serious, silly, enthralling and mundane. So without further adieu, here we go!
What I Learned in April
1. It’s okay to eat dessert before dinner.
2. Season 3 of Gilmore Girls has redeemed my opinion of it. At least a little.
3. Ree has a new cookbook coming out! I have all her other cookbooks and use them regularly, so I will definitely be getting her new one, Dinnertime, when it releases this fall. (Only one month after my own book! In my dreams, this makes us book sisters. Heh.) And Speaking of Ree, I love to follow her Pioneer Woman blog not only because it’s chock-full of fun and engaging posts, but also because her pictures remind me of my Oklahoma home. Those she takes out and about on her family’s ranch are some of my favorite.
Her family lives close to my own in Okie-land, and every time we drive from my family’s home to my husband’s or vice versa, we drive past the ranch. And when that happens, I tell my husband I want to swing by and ask to borrow a cup of sugar. And without fail, he rains on my parade by insisting that would be a hundred kinds of wrong. *sigh* Dang his common sense and respect for people’s privacy.
4. I love talking with military spouses. Of course, I didn’t just learn that this month. But what I did learn is I enjoy speaking with them and to them. The Ft. Carson and Peterson AFB PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) invited me to speak to their members earlier this month, and I absolutely loved it. Honestly, I could never put into words just how highly I esteem military spouses. Not only do I feel that way because I was one for years and consider the friendships I made there to be of the kindred sister variety, but also because I truly believe military spouses hold an extremely valuable position in our world today. It’s always an honor to hang out with them in any way, shape or form, and I’m so thankful those two groups allowed me to sit with them this month.
5. Mammograms aren’t so bad after all. I had my first one this month (just this morning, actually), and I was thrilled and thankful to discover all the horror stories surrounding mammograms are more folklore than fact. At least for me. Of course, I should probably note that if you are, um, stacked like the Library of Congress, you may have found them to be dreadful. I, however, am more like the little bookmobile that drives to smaller elementary schools without a library. So, you know, there isn’t too much to work with. Whatever the reason, I’m thankful the whole experience wasn’t as scary or painful as I thought it would be.
That’s all from my front porch, friends. Tell me, what did you learn this week? And don’t forget to visit Emily’s for more what-I-learned posts.
As a mom, I have respect not only for military spouses but those who minister to them. My daughter was in a tough place and rescued by a Military Wives Ministry. It is a great work. Thank you.
Thank you, too!
Hi Kristen–
I squealed OUT LOUD to see Ree has a new cookbook coming out– so fun. AND, your book looks fabulous. The blurb on Amazon is really inviting, cannot wait!
Also. I’m glad to see Gilmore Girls is working it’s way back into your heart. I shared today with my own “What I learned” about how after watching the entire show several years ago (before I was a mom) and watching it now, I all of a sudden relate to Lorelai instead of Rory. I like that about it, it’s kind of evergreen that way.
One more thing, your mammogram thoughts and the illustration of the library of congress vs. the bookmobile? HILARIOUS. Thanks for the laugh. 🙂
Ya, having not watched GG ’til now, I definitely relate more with Lorelai too. And GAH~that cookbook looks all things wonderful. Wish we could meet at the bookstore so we could get our copies together!
My daughter is a military spouse. I’m in awe of her because I don’t think I could deal with a spouse on deployment and twins under the age of 1.
I love Ree Drummond, too!
I am in awe of them too, Jerralea, including your precious daughter. Give her a hug and a high five from me, please?
I’m watching through Gilmore Girls right now and am definitely getting the feeling that it keeps getting better!
What I know is that sometimes mammograms do hurt, but are an essential medical procedure. Ree has a good show on Food Network–Pioneer Woman. I used to watch it all the time. I’m a little jealous as I would love to own a ranch & be a cowgirl!!
I also learned that after much prayer, & work on my part God will eventually answer your prayers. It came in a surprising way–I wanted a different job away from where I work. Using ideas from LinkedIn I sent out a pain letter (cover), resume, and ref letters & got a good response. I may have a new job in a few weeks. God will answer your prayers–one must be patient!
Love your blog & pictures!
Blessings 🙂
I just love Ree Drummond’s yummy recipes. I’m giving you permission to just go on down that road under that big ole Drummond Ranch sign and say hi to Ree. You know she’d invite you in for tea or pot roast – you know she would!
And to all the military spouses – I honor each and every one of you – including sweet you Kristen!
Blessings to you all!
Oh my word – dying – stacked like the little book mobile 🙂 I have to go get one this year too, so you’ve inspired me to schedule that thing already!
Your front porch looks so pretty! I enjoyed reading this little hodge podge of treasures. I will have to check out The Pioneer Woman’s new cook book. I love her show and have made a lot of her recipes. How cool that your “book sisters” ; ) Congrats on your new book coming out. I know that’s a lot of work.
Just laughed for a good 10 minutes over your “Library of Congress vs. bookmobile” reference…oh gal….I adore you.
I have been getting mammograms for 25 years and it has only been in the last 2 that it has not hurt me. The machines are better. The horror stories were real in days gone by.
I love this! I especially love your ranch story… You should totally stop in for a cup of sugar 😉
Oh my word thanks for the laugh! Your mammogram description using books gave me an out-loud chuckle this morning that had my 16 yo son asking what was so funny. “Nevermind.” Thanks for that. Found you on Emily’s links this month. Good to read so many different bloggers’ works.