lizardblog ( the blog of liz creech

February 24, 2004
Easy to entertain

That is what I am. I am not a high maintenance girl. It is the simple little things that make my day. We got the Voyager fixed. It was the axles. With labor and everything it was "only" 378.00. Then I had to go pay the taxes and get the new license plate, which is really stupid looking. So, now I have a working vehicle that I am going to have to baby, because of its age and mileage, but I have it. And the kids and I are already planning how to get it cleaned up past the totally embarrassed stage. I want some Spinners. For those of you who don't know what that is, they are hub caps that have an extra piece on the outside so that when you stop it continues to spin. They had them in the Fast and Furious 2. I know, I know, it is a bit immature, but it will be so fun.

It has been suggested that we just "part out" the Toyota and regain the money for it that way. There are a lot of good working parts, but that is up to my In-Laws as to what they decided to do about that.

So, I told you all of that to say I am a happy little girl here. I have a vehicle and no more car shuffling. And I don't have to be too careful about letting the kids make a mess since it is already a mess. We still eventually have to get some valve gaskets replaced because there is a big oil leak but as long as I keep an eye on the oil level it will be fine. And since I had a car to drive then I got my dryer parts and I am going to fix my dryer and try to teach school at the same time. Anybody need a handygirl? I am quite good at some things. Just let me know ladies and I will come help how I can.

Peace and running cars to you all.

posted by Liz at 12:26 PM - permalink - -

February 19, 2004
I am amazed!

O.k. after growing up in a house where my step-father did most of the work on the engine repairs any of the cars we owned might need I am still shocked and amazed at how much car repairs can cost. I haven't heard back from anybody in Louisville, where the Toyota is at, and I was getting curious as to how much this head gasket repair might be, I just called a dealership here in town to see what kind of estimate they would give me. I almost had a good laugh when the dude quoted 650$ to 900$ because they would have to look at it to determine how much. I don't think the total car is worth that much. Mike O has a point about a new engine. I hope, since it is their car, that if my In-Laws fix it they choose a new engine. Considering the age of the car, that sounds like the best bet, and within the price range of just replacing the head gasket. I was talking to my mother-in-law and she was thinking they might just fix the Voyager. I will keep you posted.

Other than car stuff this is what has been going on lately. I have a head/chest cold. Don't feel bad except for a random sore throat and gross congestion and mucus. Yuck. I started seeds for the garden. Broccoli and Alyssum(flowers). I also bought seeds for kale, sugar snap peas, and basil. I actually started the basil too. All the seeds have sprouted and now I have to thin them out, which I hate to do but it is necessary. Got the stuff to fix my dryer, I just can't get it because we had to order some of it and I don't have a car to get to the appliance parts store to pick them up. Bought a big ass bean bag. It is actually adult size. I fell asleep in it last night. And I am getting spring fever. I need for it to be warm so I can go play in the dirt and build my wall. I am going to finish that soon. Really, I am.

Seems like change is in the air. I am weird, in that if change is wrong, I get anxious and fearful. I think that is God's way of warning me. So, things, opportunities, have come up for our family and they don't feel "squirrelly". I am looking forward to it. Thank you God.

Well, I think I need to start a fire and sit in my big ass bean bag in front of it. I hope you all have something as enjoyable to do as well.

posted by Liz at 8:06 AM - permalink - -

February 15, 2004
Nothing yet

I am still waiting on my 1st cousin once removed to give me an estamate on the Toyota head gasket. I have a guestimate on the Voyager. I am still not 100% sure that both ball joints need to be fixed and then that would be cheaper still. I am guessing around 500$ to replace that head gasket, but that is just a guess. Mike O left a comment on the previous post about this and it seems it might be about the same price just to put a "new" engine in it. And he also made the comment that it would make a great car for the kids to learn in here in a couple of years. Heck I don't know. And there is a regular that comes into Macaroni Grill that has a flooring store. I asked him about industrial strength rubber mat and he said there was such a thing and that he would get me an estimate on it. Ok that is all, not feeling the best today. Very tired and have some chest congestion. Whewww.

posted by Liz at 12:16 PM - permalink - -

February 11, 2004
To think that...

Some people get so angry with their kids, or with those of the partner they are living with that they actually beat them to death. Or they are continually yelling at them and angry all the time. I believe that is the adult being so selfish that they do not take into consideration that they are just being kids.

I actually, at this very moment (8:44 am) have 2 neighbor kids in my living room that missed the bus. Usually I would just take them to school. Unfortunately, I do not have a vehicle that is safe enough to take someone else's kids out in. They have been sitting here worrying what their mom's boyfriend will say to them because he has to leave work and come take them to school. Their mom doesn't drive. Now, I might be upset too but I would like to think I wouldn't just yell and cuss at them. I might go on about them being inconsiderate or not thinking or something like that. Now, I am just getting the kids side of the story, and it isn't that pretty. I know the 2 older kids in the family are really having a hard time. The girl goes to counseling and the boy tried to commit suicide last year. How do kids get so messed up? Once, again I have to say that I only hear the kids side of the story. To be so focused on just making it that you are frustrated all the time. I feel so sorry for the kids with parents in that predicament and the parents too. My sister is that way. She is scrambling all the time just to make ends meet. She gets frustrated and then yells at the kids. She is constantly being sarcastic with them. They are young and really don't get it. Let me also say that I do not consider myself a perfect parent. I have gotten angry with my kids. I just didn't want it to sound like I was just wailing on other parents without considering my own faults.

How has our society gotten so pridefull that we can't, won't, don't ask for help? Or those who have tons of money aren't seeking out individuals to help. I could go on and on but my solution is community. If we take the initiative to be involved in each others lives we can help each other. I know this is so much deeper than I am going.

I have things to do and sitting here isn't getting them done.

posted by Liz at 9:20 AM - permalink - -

February 08, 2004
Drama in adulthood

I thought that most of the drama you experience is in your teen years and early 20's. I was mistaken. Let me tell you what has happened this past week. First my great Aunt, whom I am named after, passed away early Monday. I planned on going to the funeral Wednesday, which I did. I was within 15 miles of my mom's house and the car won't put out heat and the kids are starting to get cold. I knew something was up. When I came off the freeway and stopped at the first stop light, I REALLY knew something was up. It was idling hard, and even though it is an old car, it always ran smooth. So, I went on to the funeral home, did the "funeral" thing and then went to get the car to go on to my mom's house. We had to jump it. Then we kept all the kids in my sisters van, went to a car parts place to get anti-freeze because we assumed the radiator was low, and radiator hoses because we thought one might have burst. It smoked like a freight train and ran even rougher. Got it to my mom's house and my brother-in-law and I replaced those hoses and refilled the radiator and still it smoked. So, we are assuming that the head gasket has blown. I had to be home for work so my sister drove me back and then to work. We were and still are down a car.

Second, I get a call Thursday morning from my sister saying her roommate was getting violent with her and that she was waiting on the police to get there, could I come? Yes, I was on my way, stay away from him and I would be there as soon as I could. Now, she lives in Georgetown, about 15 miles down the interstate. And I had forgotten, in the heat of the moment, that I didn't have a car, well, not really. We still have our Voyager sitting in the drive way, that needs to have the ball joints replaced. I drove that booger 50 miles an hour all the way to Georgetown, praying for God's protection for me and her all the way. The police were there when I got there and everything got taken care of. She filed an Emergency Protection Order and the police took that boys drunk butt out of the house. He took a cab somewhere and can't come within 500 feet of her for a long time. Crazy, huh?

We are now looking into which vehicle is cheaper to fix. The '89 Toyota Corolla with 123,000 miles or the '94 Plymouth Voyager with 156,000 miles? Anybody want to make a guess which will be cheaper? I don't know yet but I will keep you posted. Even though we have had more problems with the Voyager, that is where my vote lies, because it is bigger. We are like a bunch of sardines in that tiny car. And if anybody know where to get a mini-van sized rubber mat to replace the nasty carpet in the Voyager let me know. I think I am going to get me some paint tarps to cut and cover the seats. Almost a new vehicle. We will see.

posted by Liz at 1:28 PM - permalink - -

February 03, 2004
A child at heart

Despite the fact that I feel like I need a cup of coffee in the mornings to get going I think I am still just a kid at heart. Not the goat kind, but the kind like I have running around in my house. We went and saw Elf yesterday after we got done with school and I liked it so much that I will own that one. There is a scene where the adults are singing the Christmas carol "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". As they are standing there Santa comes flying up over the back of their heads. I literally gasped with that thrill you get from seeing such a thing. Now, go on and laugh, but you know what I am talking about. When was the last time you experienced such a feeling at what we now call nonsense? I was almost brought to tears. I am glad that I can still experience such a feeling.

Some things have popped up this previous weekend that made me think back to younger days. Things like old documents, people, and situations. I found my old ACT test scores from high school, interesting, and an old friend popped in to see me. Made me remember good stuff, but with some consideration I am very glad where my life had gone. Not that I don't wonder "What if?". When I think about it for a bit the only regrets that I can come up with is: 1. How I responded to my children in their toddler years, and 2. How we handled money in our early marriage. Those are the only things I would change if I could. What about you all? What would you change? How would that make you different, do you think?

posted by Liz at 7:53 AM - permalink - -

February 02, 2004
For those who could appreciate it.

Debi has shown me a new blog that I am going to have to add a link to. Where the Hell Was I? I have to forewarn you that there is cussing and some crudity, and it made me snort. That is all that needs to be said. I am going to have to make it a habit to read this guy.

posted by Liz at 8:36 AM - permalink - -

spiritual

> vine & branches
> vineyard central

blogs

> Garden Escapades
> Trish Hiduk
> Maryann
> Alan Creech
> The Vine
> Little Houses
> Amber Bishop
> Jody Nixon
> Laura Ogle
> Debi Warford
> Jason & Brooke Evans
> Eric Keck
> Beth Keck
> Pete Matthews
> Trudi Matthews
> Brian Phillips
> Bryan Sherwood
> Malie
> Kim Johnson

Homeschool

> vegsource homeschool
> discovery school channel
> saxon math and phonics

general interest

> john rosemond's affermative parenting
> lisa welchel
> thunderstruck
> Homestar Runner

gardening

> Kids Gardening

books i like

Here are some books I suggests if you are looking to homeschool or just for information. I gleaned a lot from them. Our church gets credit if you buy through these links.

In their Own Way
by Thomas Armstrong

Seven Times Smarter
by Laurel Schmidt

How to Talk So Kids Can Learn
by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Teen Proofing
by John Rosemond