is busting out her stuff at church on sunday. Come see me play clarinet at church service this Sunday!
Janelle's Journal
My Podcast Link
08/24/2007 20:20 #40716
The minister's wife....Category: church
08/24/2007 09:04 #40704
Inferiority ComplexCategory: home
We left the suburbs of Pittsburgh to leave a culture and lifestyle behind that we disliked and to which we refused to expose any forthcoming children in our lives. The irony is that this suburb has one of the top ranked public school districts in the state and in the country. Maybe sometime (e:Drew) will even expound on his thoughts on why it's difficult to live out a christian mission in a rich suburb, but I digress...
We fulfilled a long time desire of wanting to live in an urban community (although I have to admit that my ultimate dream is to live in a particular urban community in Philly). So here we are and we love it for a number of reasons. I, for one, love how the old houses are built so that the porches are close to the sidewalk so that one can sit on their porch and comfortably greet their neighbors and passerbyers. Again, I digress....
Here, finally, comes the point. In this Pittsburgh suburb, folks were very wealthy and lived a very wealthy life style. The youth group kids at our church felt free to make fun of our beat up Geo Metro followed by our 10 year old beat up Acura Integra. A committee at church even removed some patio furniture off the front porch of our manse because it was unattractive. Yet, I NEVER felt an inkling of pressure to try to keep up with the Joneses...as the saying goes. In part, because it was absolutely a financial impossibility. I mean, we could have bought a few things of the life style, but barely.
I actually feel more community pressure and more angst from that pressure here in Buffalo. A common conversational topic around the neighborhood is house repair/renovation. And we have had and will continue to have some major repairs/renovations. We discussed house painting with a Buffalo friend who stated that if he had a house like ours he would paint it himself, absolutely. Oh, yes, it's that easy. Nights after work, weekend by weekend, bit by bit, you can paint your own house standing on scaffolding three stories high to reach up to the attic. Yeah, no thanks, we hired painters. We discussed our roof repairs with neighbors who said so matter of factly oh it's nothing to put a new roof on. They replaced their roof over the course of five years, section by section! Kewl, but I think I'll just save the money and have contractors do the work. (e:Drew) and I even joke about the potential shunning we might receive if people knew that the porch ceiling was repaired with vinyl instead of replacing the damaged wood <gasp>.
Don't get me wrong. I did a lot of minor repairs when we moved in. Sticky doors now close. I installed cabinet hardware so cabinets close. Tarnished copper door knobs are now a shiny rose color. I patched walls and did touch up painting all over the house. Interior painting is on the to do list down the road. But am I not worthy unless I sacrifice every weekend and summer evening to the idol that is my house?!
We fulfilled a long time desire of wanting to live in an urban community (although I have to admit that my ultimate dream is to live in a particular urban community in Philly). So here we are and we love it for a number of reasons. I, for one, love how the old houses are built so that the porches are close to the sidewalk so that one can sit on their porch and comfortably greet their neighbors and passerbyers. Again, I digress....
Here, finally, comes the point. In this Pittsburgh suburb, folks were very wealthy and lived a very wealthy life style. The youth group kids at our church felt free to make fun of our beat up Geo Metro followed by our 10 year old beat up Acura Integra. A committee at church even removed some patio furniture off the front porch of our manse because it was unattractive. Yet, I NEVER felt an inkling of pressure to try to keep up with the Joneses...as the saying goes. In part, because it was absolutely a financial impossibility. I mean, we could have bought a few things of the life style, but barely.
I actually feel more community pressure and more angst from that pressure here in Buffalo. A common conversational topic around the neighborhood is house repair/renovation. And we have had and will continue to have some major repairs/renovations. We discussed house painting with a Buffalo friend who stated that if he had a house like ours he would paint it himself, absolutely. Oh, yes, it's that easy. Nights after work, weekend by weekend, bit by bit, you can paint your own house standing on scaffolding three stories high to reach up to the attic. Yeah, no thanks, we hired painters. We discussed our roof repairs with neighbors who said so matter of factly oh it's nothing to put a new roof on. They replaced their roof over the course of five years, section by section! Kewl, but I think I'll just save the money and have contractors do the work. (e:Drew) and I even joke about the potential shunning we might receive if people knew that the porch ceiling was repaired with vinyl instead of replacing the damaged wood <gasp>.
Don't get me wrong. I did a lot of minor repairs when we moved in. Sticky doors now close. I installed cabinet hardware so cabinets close. Tarnished copper door knobs are now a shiny rose color. I patched walls and did touch up painting all over the house. Interior painting is on the to do list down the road. But am I not worthy unless I sacrifice every weekend and summer evening to the idol that is my house?!
janelle - 08/25/07 08:44
I have to make sure the husband doesn't read your comment (e:tinypliny) or he'll never do anything around the house again...thanks!
I have to make sure the husband doesn't read your comment (e:tinypliny) or he'll never do anything around the house again...thanks!
tinypliny - 08/24/07 21:20
Everyone has pretty much said what I wanted to say, but I think this point needs to be made.
Splinters are the most abominable things to get into your fingers. They are an insidious cause of infection and have been known, at times, to cause loss of an appendage.
If your neighbour has a non-healing ulcer or a nasty pyrexic infection, you now know why.
Everyone has pretty much said what I wanted to say, but I think this point needs to be made.
Splinters are the most abominable things to get into your fingers. They are an insidious cause of infection and have been known, at times, to cause loss of an appendage.
If your neighbour has a non-healing ulcer or a nasty pyrexic infection, you now know why.
lauren - 08/24/07 15:27
I say pick your battles wisely. Sure, put on new hardware, fix that creaky door, but don't go crazy and risk injuring yourself or your lovely husband. DIY can put some stress on a relationship, let me tell you, so only do it if you know you will have fun!
I say pick your battles wisely. Sure, put on new hardware, fix that creaky door, but don't go crazy and risk injuring yourself or your lovely husband. DIY can put some stress on a relationship, let me tell you, so only do it if you know you will have fun!
joshua - 08/24/07 14:04
Atta girl - enjoy yourself. Besides, the art festival is this weekend and the neighborhood is going to be jam packed with interesting things to check out.
In the end, if your house looks good and has a good roof then it doesn't really matter if you did it yourself... unless you have this strong compulsion to blabber to everybody about how self-satisfied you are! Screw that. =)
Atta girl - enjoy yourself. Besides, the art festival is this weekend and the neighborhood is going to be jam packed with interesting things to check out.
In the end, if your house looks good and has a good roof then it doesn't really matter if you did it yourself... unless you have this strong compulsion to blabber to everybody about how self-satisfied you are! Screw that. =)
theecarey - 08/24/07 13:38
If you have the time and the know how- DIY can be rewarding on many levels; and it helps if you like to do that stuff. Again, time is big factor- consider where and how do you want to spend it. Otherwise, pay someone else to do it- when the two of you are ready. Dismiss what others are saying. I think its less about having the house look a certain way than it is to parade their own efforts, make you feel bad and put in their two cents- "look what I did! What..you arent doing it yourself?? ..Its sooooo easy.." Do you feel like their underlying question is "what is wrong with you" for not doing it all? yeh. Thats a sign they are just looking for an ego stroking. In short, like your title says-- inferiority complex, on their part. I'd compliment them on their know-how and suggestions, then leave it at that.
:)
I'm all for ATMs and EZPass.
If you have the time and the know how- DIY can be rewarding on many levels; and it helps if you like to do that stuff. Again, time is big factor- consider where and how do you want to spend it. Otherwise, pay someone else to do it- when the two of you are ready. Dismiss what others are saying. I think its less about having the house look a certain way than it is to parade their own efforts, make you feel bad and put in their two cents- "look what I did! What..you arent doing it yourself?? ..Its sooooo easy.." Do you feel like their underlying question is "what is wrong with you" for not doing it all? yeh. Thats a sign they are just looking for an ego stroking. In short, like your title says-- inferiority complex, on their part. I'd compliment them on their know-how and suggestions, then leave it at that.
- Do not* feel bad for not doing it all yourself- we do what we can given the time, resources, abilities, ambition and so forth. Be comfortable with that.
:)
I'm all for ATMs and EZPass.
janelle - 08/24/07 13:36
Well, I have concluded that I will no longer feel guilty for not being a DIY person who would probably end up doing it crappy, anyway. So I'll kick back and enjoy some beers this weekend instead of doing a roof tear down.
Well, I have concluded that I will no longer feel guilty for not being a DIY person who would probably end up doing it crappy, anyway. So I'll kick back and enjoy some beers this weekend instead of doing a roof tear down.
fellyconnelly - 08/24/07 12:38
i dont' think it is so much of 'keeping up with the joneses' so much as i think that buffalo is in a DIY boom right now... that is one thing that i have noticed about the area - everyone is fixing things up themselves.
maybe people are just very proud of doing it themselves?
i dont' think it is so much of 'keeping up with the joneses' so much as i think that buffalo is in a DIY boom right now... that is one thing that i have noticed about the area - everyone is fixing things up themselves.
maybe people are just very proud of doing it themselves?
jenks - 08/24/07 11:53
sorry mike.... I disagree. There's a bridge at home, and it's a major PITA b/c they won't take EZpass, and you have to buy these stupid tokens and it's just really annoying and takes forever. everyone is always begging the state to put ez-pass on the bridge, and they won't b/c then the toll collectors (there are like 2 of them) would be out of jobs.
Let them run the EZ pass sales then, I don't know. But don't hinder progress...
maybe i'm just too impatient.
sorry mike.... I disagree. There's a bridge at home, and it's a major PITA b/c they won't take EZpass, and you have to buy these stupid tokens and it's just really annoying and takes forever. everyone is always begging the state to put ez-pass on the bridge, and they won't b/c then the toll collectors (there are like 2 of them) would be out of jobs.
Let them run the EZ pass sales then, I don't know. But don't hinder progress...
maybe i'm just too impatient.
mike - 08/24/07 11:35
a little addition to my comment...like I always find it so weird/kinda sad when like the bank tellers are forced to try and convince you to do all your banking online and getting direct deposit, and I just think um, then you wouldn't have a job right?
a little addition to my comment...like I always find it so weird/kinda sad when like the bank tellers are forced to try and convince you to do all your banking online and getting direct deposit, and I just think um, then you wouldn't have a job right?
mike - 08/24/07 11:33
I am againt DIY in general one because I am kinda lazy honestly but two like people need to have jobs. Like why deny someone else like what they do for a living. That is why I go in banks instead of using ATMs and direct deposit and use toll collectors instead of EZPass. All these people need jobs so I feel like why not support them.
I am againt DIY in general one because I am kinda lazy honestly but two like people need to have jobs. Like why deny someone else like what they do for a living. That is why I go in banks instead of using ATMs and direct deposit and use toll collectors instead of EZPass. All these people need jobs so I feel like why not support them.
jbeatty - 08/24/07 10:11
They are beyond full of shit when they tell you its nothing to put a new roof on. Its hard work and dangerous as well. You will obviously pay a premium to hire a contractor to do the work but experienced roofers will be able to knock it out in 1 to 2 days where it would take the uninitiated a week or more.
They are beyond full of shit when they tell you its nothing to put a new roof on. Its hard work and dangerous as well. You will obviously pay a premium to hire a contractor to do the work but experienced roofers will be able to knock it out in 1 to 2 days where it would take the uninitiated a week or more.
paul - 08/24/07 09:58
(e:terry), our friend Dave and I replaced a 15ft x 15ft section of roof on the top of our house last year (e:paul,32779) - pics at th bottom of that entry. It was fun and a little bit scary during one wind storm but we saved a lot of money and learned a lot. It looks amazing now and didn't leak over the last year, so I supposed we did a pretty good job, I should take a new pic of it.
(e:terry), our friend Dave and I replaced a 15ft x 15ft section of roof on the top of our house last year (e:paul,32779) - pics at th bottom of that entry. It was fun and a little bit scary during one wind storm but we saved a lot of money and learned a lot. It looks amazing now and didn't leak over the last year, so I supposed we did a pretty good job, I should take a new pic of it.
joshua - 08/24/07 09:33
That stuff is nonsense - to hell with what your neighbors think. I've actually never heard of anybody patching their own roof - WTF is this, do we live in grass huts now and have to thatch constantly?
Pay somebody to do the work and screw the rest. Seriously. I think that if you bothered to inquire further (which I wouldn't) you'd probably find out that your neighbors bizarre outlook on how to 'properly' renovate your home is only the tip of a very large, disturbing iceberg. With some possible exceptions, when you DIY, chances are its going to look DIY. That isn't necessarily a good thing when it comes to the outside of your home.
That stuff is nonsense - to hell with what your neighbors think. I've actually never heard of anybody patching their own roof - WTF is this, do we live in grass huts now and have to thatch constantly?
Pay somebody to do the work and screw the rest. Seriously. I think that if you bothered to inquire further (which I wouldn't) you'd probably find out that your neighbors bizarre outlook on how to 'properly' renovate your home is only the tip of a very large, disturbing iceberg. With some possible exceptions, when you DIY, chances are its going to look DIY. That isn't necessarily a good thing when it comes to the outside of your home.
08/23/2007 08:39 #40691
My cats opthamologist looks like a star!Category: pets
I like the opthamologist whom my fat cat visits.
I don't like the fact that my fat cat requires opthamological treatment for a condition (e:Drew) refers to as "MUCKY EYE".
But I do like the opthamologist.
She looks just like Kirsten Dunst when she was in Spider Man.
She even talks like Kirsten Dunst.
I think Kirsten Dunst is really cute; so I therefore find my cat's opthamologist to be really cute.
The fat cat likes the opthamologist because she provides a never ending pile of treats for the fat cat and then giggles at the greediness of the fat cat as she snoops around the office for more treats.
The treats sure enough aren't helping the fat cat's fat issue though.
I don't like the fact that my fat cat requires opthamological treatment for a condition (e:Drew) refers to as "MUCKY EYE".
But I do like the opthamologist.
She looks just like Kirsten Dunst when she was in Spider Man.
She even talks like Kirsten Dunst.
I think Kirsten Dunst is really cute; so I therefore find my cat's opthamologist to be really cute.
The fat cat likes the opthamologist because she provides a never ending pile of treats for the fat cat and then giggles at the greediness of the fat cat as she snoops around the office for more treats.
The treats sure enough aren't helping the fat cat's fat issue though.
mrdeadlier - 08/23/07 12:25
Hmph.. I've always found her and her ugly visage downright offensive to the eyes, but hey -- that's just me.
Hmph.. I've always found her and her ugly visage downright offensive to the eyes, but hey -- that's just me.
lauren - 08/23/07 11:50
Ohhhh...Kirsten Dunst IS cute, especially if she likes fat kitties!
Ohhhh...Kirsten Dunst IS cute, especially if she likes fat kitties!
mrdeadlier - 08/23/07 10:18
Kirsten Dunst is about as cute as I am Chinese (note: I am not Chinese). Sorry, but I just had to chime in with that.
Kirsten Dunst is about as cute as I am Chinese (note: I am not Chinese). Sorry, but I just had to chime in with that.
mike - 08/23/07 09:24
I love Kirsten Dunst!!!! and if I had to like a cat it would be a fat one prolly though I generally do not like cats!
I love Kirsten Dunst!!!! and if I had to like a cat it would be a fat one prolly though I generally do not like cats!
drew - 08/23/07 09:16
Hey. I'm not sure if I told you I have something tonight, but I do. I'll be home for dinner though. Call me,
Hey. I'm not sure if I told you I have something tonight, but I do. I'll be home for dinner though. Call me,
08/21/2007 09:16 #40649
BlahCategory: life
It bites that the weather is unseasonably cold.
It bites when you're parents get divorced.
Even when you're 28 years old.
Even when you're living on your own.
Even when you have your own family.
It still sucks.
I guess there is never a good time in life for parents to get divorced.
Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts .....*
Ahh...much better.
It bites when you're parents get divorced.
Even when you're 28 years old.
Even when you're living on your own.
Even when you have your own family.
It still sucks.
I guess there is never a good time in life for parents to get divorced.
Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts .....*
Ahh...much better.
theecarey - 08/22/07 20:26
I will be first in line for WWLD? paraphernalia hahahaha thats great!
Kittens and Gilmore Girls-- happy happy happy stuff for sure.
I will be first in line for WWLD? paraphernalia hahahaha thats great!
Kittens and Gilmore Girls-- happy happy happy stuff for sure.
- hug*
tinypliny - 08/22/07 04:51
OOOOOH! Is that your kitten?
OOOOOH! Is that your kitten?
tinypliny - 08/22/07 04:50
:( Yeah. Parents are meant to be together, forever. I wouldn't know how to cope with it either and I am edging towards 28.
:( Yeah. Parents are meant to be together, forever. I wouldn't know how to cope with it either and I am edging towards 28.
museumchick - 08/22/07 00:29
It definitely bites about your parents... *hug* I do agree that Gilmore Girls is awesome.
It definitely bites about your parents... *hug* I do agree that Gilmore Girls is awesome.
mike - 08/21/07 17:48
that stinks, but skittles and Gilmore Girls I think can help someone through any situation.
that stinks, but skittles and Gilmore Girls I think can help someone through any situation.
ladycroft - 08/21/07 15:03
No matter what age you are, you don't want to see 'that' fairytale shatter. (hug)
No matter what age you are, you don't want to see 'that' fairytale shatter. (hug)
janelle - 08/21/07 12:04
Sure...let's go. I'm ready to quit my job to take up Gilmore Girls paraphanelia production and distribution =)
Sure...let's go. I'm ready to quit my job to take up Gilmore Girls paraphanelia production and distribution =)
leetee - 08/21/07 11:55
Speaking of Gilmore Girls, i had a thought...
What Would Lorelai Do (WWLD).
I'll do the t-shirts, you do the bracelets!
Speaking of Gilmore Girls, i had a thought...
What Would Lorelai Do (WWLD).
I'll do the t-shirts, you do the bracelets!
leetee - 08/21/07 11:53
You're right, there is never a good time.
((((( Janelle )))))
Gilmore Girls rocks!
and here (hopefully it pastes up in here ok) is a cute kitten for you.
:::link:::
You're right, there is never a good time.
((((( Janelle )))))
Gilmore Girls rocks!
and here (hopefully it pastes up in here ok) is a cute kitten for you.
:::link:::
08/20/2007 17:39 #40641
How could it happen to me?Category: home
So we were told that it would be inevitable. Our time would come regardless of what precautions we took...
So it finally happened. This morning I discovered the remnants of an attempt to steal our car stereo. Apparently we made it easy to get into the car so they were able to start taking apart the console around the stereo, but the ingenuity of our vehicle beat them and they were unable to finish the job. Our 10 yr old beat up Acura Integra is made so even stereo installation people struggle to install a new stereo into the vehicle let alone a thug who's trying to steal the stereo on the fly...
So it's a bummer that someone was messing with our car. I feel like an idiot for not being more careful about locking my car doors. I was really angry, but that diminished pretty quickly...Overall, I'm glad we still have our car stereo. And if that's the worst that happens to us, we're doing pretty good.
So it finally happened. This morning I discovered the remnants of an attempt to steal our car stereo. Apparently we made it easy to get into the car so they were able to start taking apart the console around the stereo, but the ingenuity of our vehicle beat them and they were unable to finish the job. Our 10 yr old beat up Acura Integra is made so even stereo installation people struggle to install a new stereo into the vehicle let alone a thug who's trying to steal the stereo on the fly...
So it's a bummer that someone was messing with our car. I feel like an idiot for not being more careful about locking my car doors. I was really angry, but that diminished pretty quickly...Overall, I'm glad we still have our car stereo. And if that's the worst that happens to us, we're doing pretty good.
jbeatty - 08/21/07 11:12
That really bites. Im glad I also have a complicated dashboard. Im the only one out of my siblings that has not had their car stolen. Im hoping to keep it that way.
That really bites. Im glad I also have a complicated dashboard. Im the only one out of my siblings that has not had their car stolen. Im hoping to keep it that way.
jenks - 08/21/07 11:05
that sucks. I've had no problems here, but was broken into (more than once) in DC, and aside from financial loss the worst part was that I just felt... violated and it freaked me out.
Seriously... I mean how can anyone think it's ok to damage people's property and steal their stuff?! I just don't get that brain mis-wiring. :(
that sucks. I've had no problems here, but was broken into (more than once) in DC, and aside from financial loss the worst part was that I just felt... violated and it freaked me out.
Seriously... I mean how can anyone think it's ok to damage people's property and steal their stuff?! I just don't get that brain mis-wiring. :(
tinypliny - 08/20/07 21:33
You never know how many potential thieves are checking out your blog, so I think it's time to start locking your truck cab too.
You never know how many potential thieves are checking out your blog, so I think it's time to start locking your truck cab too.
janelle - 08/20/07 19:11
We live on Lexington. Most of our neighbors have had their cars broken into at some point and have warned us to be careful about leaving valuables in our vehicles. I try to remember to lock the car, but sometimes I forget. We don't lock the cab on our truck so that anyone can open it up and take a look and see that there's nothing good to steal...all without having to smash the cab windows in...
We live on Lexington. Most of our neighbors have had their cars broken into at some point and have warned us to be careful about leaving valuables in our vehicles. I try to remember to lock the car, but sometimes I forget. We don't lock the cab on our truck so that anyone can open it up and take a look and see that there's nothing good to steal...all without having to smash the cab windows in...
tinypliny - 08/20/07 18:50
It's one of those correction-fluid days. I meant "when my bike was stolen"
It's one of those correction-fluid days. I meant "when my bike was stolen"
tinypliny - 08/20/07 18:48
Yikes, I hate seeing break-in attempts. :/ The last time I saw it was my bike got stolen - that attempt was successful though.
Glad nothing was stolen. Maybe this is a good reminder to lock your car doors no matter what.
Yikes, I hate seeing break-in attempts. :/ The last time I saw it was my bike got stolen - that attempt was successful though.
Glad nothing was stolen. Maybe this is a good reminder to lock your car doors no matter what.
james - 08/20/07 18:45
I can't recall where your home is, but I have never had trouble with people breaking into or messing with my car. Granted, the last car was so shitty a homeless guy wouldn't pee on it, but... well, I am sorry for the trouble. Batman has been alerted.
I can't recall where your home is, but I have never had trouble with people breaking into or messing with my car. Granted, the last car was so shitty a homeless guy wouldn't pee on it, but... well, I am sorry for the trouble. Batman has been alerted.
Coool :)