Be careful in the sun!

Even though I presently live in a part of the country where people find it very easy to get a good tan, I am very careful about avoiding sun exposure. I know that it is unusual to not want a tan, but it seems to me that it should be an obvious choice.

Does a tan look nice? Yes, it does. I do not like to look like a ghost, either. But honestly, how much better do we really look with our skin just a tad darker? We don't really look that different, anyway. A tan will not transform a homely girl into a beautiful model. But that beautiful model will not look the same with a face full of wrinkles when she is still young!

Skin cancer is certainly a big risk. However, people seem to have a hard time focusing on that. Perhaps it is because we do not see that consequence for many years. Perhaps it is because we do not see tons of people with skin cancer all of the time, and therefore we do not think that it will happen to us. But we must consider whether what we are doing right now might possibly prevent us from living a long life, putting ourselves and our families through misery that could have been easily avoided.

But wrinkles and tough, leathery skin are consequences that people all seem to really fear. Tanning is done for the sake of beauty, but that purpose is surely defeated!

This article New Wrinkle for Tanning Junkies discusses that. I found it interesting.

We really need to be careful not to become obsessed with tanning. What is better: to be a little darker right now, which only lasts for a couple of weeks, or to preserve our complexions for the rest of our lives?

Some things that we can work on:
1. Avoid spending more time in the sun than necessary when the rays are most harmful.
2. Wear good sunscreen. I would like to find a good foundation that contains sunblock, because that would ensure protection on my face every day, all year. I frequently forget or do not bother to put sunblock on my face on a daily basis, partially because I do not like the way it feels.
3. Wear clothing that protects the skin, such as a hat.
4. Remember to do the same for your children!

Someday, I want somebody to look at me and say to my grandchild, "What? She's your grandma?" ;-D

Article about singleness

Hello all,

I recently came across this article, Seven Myths Single Women Believe. As a single woman, I found it interesting. People surely do like to give us advice! Which advice are we supposed to listen to?

One interesting thing is that I have seen several articles in recent months (both by Christians and by non-Christians) which sort of blast women for not "wanting" to get married younger. These authors argue against this problem: that women are determined to climb the ladder of success, dating around until they are professionally established, having the dim notion that once they reach the top of their field, they will then decide that it is time to get married to the world's most perfect man, who has just been sitting around waiting for her, and have a family right then. OK, yes, that does sound rather silly.

But this is not the problem with me or with the girls that I know. From my point of view, the women in my social sphere would love to get married if only the right opportunity would come along.

I am genuinely curious: what do people think that single women are supposed to be doing? They are getting blamed for being single because they have jobs. Maybe they have those jobs because they are single. (?)

Does having a job prevent a woman from ever becoming a homemaker? True, there are some women who are too career-focused to shift that focus to having a family. But what can the others do to avoid appearing like that is their focus?

This article seems to come closer to being helpful than some things I have seen, but I'm not sure that it comes to any strong conclusions. Any thoughts?

Great quotations from Ronald Reagan

Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.

The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.

Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S was too strong.

I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.

I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting.

Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.

No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.

If we forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.

My desk

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

Young Girl Reading, 1776 by Jean-Honore Fragonard

from www.allposters.com

Fashion Meme

Here is a meme (now I know that it is pronounced so that it rhymes with dream) that I got from Emma's blog:

What accessories do you wear every day? I almost always wear a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings. I think that my face looks odd without earrings. It does to me, anyway.

What was the last item of clothing (for yourself) that you purchased? I bought several things from Chadwick's. I was delighted to find some skirts that were 39 inches long. My favorite length! (unless I could find a 40-inch. That would be perfect!)

Do you use a dresser, closet, or both? I mostly use the closet, but there are some things that I put in drawers. I just recently began keeping sweaters in drawers instead of in the closet. But I am having trouble keeping them from getting wrinkled. If you have any suggestions, they would be welcome!

What type of earrings are in your ears right now? Red dangly teardrops.

What type of figure do you have? I am tall and on the thin side. I am working toward getting closer to the thin side!

Do you wear glasses? Only when my contacts are hurting me. I would much rather wear contacts.

What type of handbag do you carry? I have a little black purse, and I carry a black bag for my work supplies.

What is your ideal style? I love anything really classic. I do not follow trends, except for the fact that I try not to be actually out of style. I like things that go with many other pieces in my wardrobe. Therefore, I tend to go for solids and basic colors, and it does get a bit monotonous sometimes. Oh well. It works for me.

What jewelry are you wearing right now? The red earrings described above, a gold heart necklace with red stones, a bracelet with red stones, and a ring.

Do you wear knee-hi stockings? NEVER. I think that they are so tacky. I hate it when I can see the top of someone's knee-hi. Gross.

Do you wear makeup? If yes, what products do you use? A little. I use Clinique foundation and a variety of cheap brands for other stuff.

What outerwear do you put on when going out on a typical winters day? I usually don't need very much where I live. But I do have some light coats, and I wear gloves, a hat, and a scarf if it's really cold.

What is your favorite perfume? I still haven't committed to that one yet. I do like perfume, but I know too many people who are allergic to it -- I don't want to make them sneeze. Therefore, I haven't had much opportunity to experiment with it.

Is your motto "quality over quantity" when it comes to clothing and accessories? Definitely. I would rather have a small wardrobe of things that actually look good on me (and good together!) than a closet full of clothes I don't really like. People are going to notice what you look like today, not admire how long it's been since you've worn something.

Do you wear rain boots? No. Where I live, the rain comes too unexpectedly to plan that far ahead!

Do you wear socks or slippers when your feet get cold? Yes. :)

Do you have a set of travel luggage? Yes.

What is your daily uniform? I usually wear a suit to teach in.

If you are married, did you wear a veil with your wedding dress? Not married. But if I ever did get married (wishful thinking) I would wear a veil.

Do you wear a watch? Absolutely. In fact, I left it behind yesterday and could barely concentrate until I was wearing it again.

What item of clothing always makes you feel eXtremely beautiful? I would pay good money for an item of clothing like that! :)

Do you prefer zippers or buttons? I guess it depends on where they are.

What is your favorite type of yarn? I like thick, fuzzy yarn to knit with. However, right now I am knitting with three different pieces of thin yarn together. I like the way it's turning out.

If only life were like a computer

You know what else I would like? An Undo button for everything! Things I do, things I say an instantly regret -- wouldn't it be nice to hit ctrl-Z and undo? ;-D

No wonder

Look at the following article:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-03-01-american-tv_x.htm?csp=24

No wonder people from these countries despise Americans. Their only view of our day-to-day lives is what they see on these vile TV shows! I knew that they watched American TV, but I didn't realize it was such a huge industry over there. If I thought that an entire country was like the people on Desperate Housewives or Friends, I would not like that country, either!

We need to realize that their view of us is warped because of what they are basing it on.

So what can we do about it?

First of all and most importantly, we need to be praying about what is going on in the world. Surely the Lord would bless the efforts of our military more if His people were on their knees, consistently praying about it. Have we forgotten prayer in this issue? I am among solid Christians all the time, and yet I almost never hear anyone praying about our country's foreign relations. We pray for the safety of the troops, which is great, but there is more to it than just that.

Also, perhaps we can try doing something about giving them a good opinion of Americans. After all, the average American is not nearly as bad as the people on these shows. To start, we need to make sure that we are not supporting these shows ourselves! How can we stand watching something that goes so directly against the Word of God and makes a mockery of His perfect plan? If these shows were not popular right here in America, they would not have been able to achieve such popularity overseas.

We should strive to be a good example ourselves. Okay, so I'm not really sure what I can do myself to directly be a good example to the Iraqis, but they do watch our country. If they see evidence of Christians living righteously, the Lord can use that. If we are working to influence our own country for the cause of Christ, it will have an effect. Remember the principle of sowing and reaping: you do reap more than you sow. Let's sow seeds of righteous whenever we get the chance.

It grieves me to see my testimony as an American being demeaned because I am associated with these programs. These people do not need to watch examples of sin: they need the light of God's Word. It is our job to get it to them. Let's not assume that someone else will take care of it. Find a way to be a light to that area of the world, and go for it! Jesus is Victor!

What is an American?

The following is an excerpt from Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur's Letters from an American Farmer. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur came to America from France right around the time when our country was emerging. This selection is where we get the idea of America being a melting pot. Right before this selection, he is pointing out that Americans do not have an ethnic bond like other countries have. He explains what does constitute a true American, and he celebrates the American dream that immigrants were able to enjoy when they came here. I think that this will warm your heart about what America is all about:

What then is the American, this new man? . . . He is an American, who, leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds. He becomes an American by being received in the broad lap of our great Alma Mater.

Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world. . . . The Americans were once scattered all over Europe; here they are incorporated into one of the finest systems of population which has ever appeared, and which will hereafter become distinct by the power of the different climates they inhabit.

The American ought therefore to love this country much better than that wherein either he or his forefathers were born. Here the rewards of his industry follow with equal steps the progress of his labour; his labour is founded on the basis of nature. Self-interest: can it want a stronger allurement? Wives and children, who before in vain demanded of him a morsel of bread, now, fat and frolicsome, gladly help their father to clear those fields whence exuberant crops are to arise to feed and to clothe them all; without any part being claimed, either by a despotic prince, a rich abbot, or a mighty lord. Here religion demands but little of him; a small voluntary salary to the minister, and gratitude to God; can he refuse these?

The American is a new man, who acts upon new principles; he must therefore entertain new ideas, and form new opinions. From involuntary idleness, servile dependence, penury, and useless labour, he has passed to toils of a very different nature, rewarded by ample subsistence.--This is an American.

The modesty survey is available

The modesty survey results are in. Let's go see what the men have to say! I haven't looked at it yet, but I'm about to. Let me know what you think.

How depressing!

Ha ha! Listen to what my fortune cookie said:

"Your One True Love will knock on your door in precisely 2 months, 8 days, and 14 hours; unfortunately, you will be out."

Isn't it lovely to know that God, not luck, is in control!

(still, it's pretty funny!) :)

Using the best words for His glory 2

Okay, I realize that you have probably assumed (or maybe hoped!) that I had forgotten all about my acclaimed grammar/usage series, which I started in this previous post.

But alas, I have not forgotten! Here is the second installment of the series. Aren't you excited? Aren't you? anybody?? Well, either way, I am an English teacher, and this is what English teachers do. :) Get ready to learn something. ;-D

Today's lesson is about the difference between compare to and compare with. The following quoted paragraph is taken directly from Theodore Bernstein's book The Careful Writer.

"The choice of to or with to follow compare is not a matter of indifference. When the purpose is to liken two things or to put them in the same category, use to. When the purpose is to place one thing side by side with another, to examine their differences or their similarities, use with. The choice of the preposition was erroneous in each of the following examples: 'The economy can be compared with [to] a runner who is coasting to get his second wind for another sprint'; 'Compared to [with] the $4,900,000,000 the Administration has proposed for foreign aid, the cost of the overseas reactor program will be small.' Since compare to is most often involved in figurative constructions, whereas compare with is the more literal, everyday phrase, the uses calling for with far outnumber those calling for to."

I had to look this up this evening while I was writing comments on papers I was grading. On one paper, I was trying to tell a student that he had not followed the example given on the assignment sheet, and I was trying to tell him to compare them. I thought, I'm the English teacher. Is it compare to or compare with? Hmm. I'd better look that one up, lest I be embarrassed.

I was happy to learn the difference, but I would be even happier if the majority of the students' papers could be compared to the assignment sheet instead of compared with it! :-D LOL

Here's the bottom line: if you saying that the two compared items are similar, use compare to. But usually, when we are comparing in order to point out differences, we should say compare with.