I Never Promised You an Organic Garden » Life http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog and other things you won't expect... Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:48:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Help me pick new glasses http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/help-me-pick-new-glasses/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/help-me-pick-new-glasses/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:12:14 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=141 I went to the eye doctor today for my checkup and to get new frames.  I have always had very unique frames, but I wanted to go with a little something different this time.  So, Matt, the very nice lady at the eye Dr’s office, and I spent quite a while whittling down the never ending selection.  I have come up with two options, and the eye Dr. was nice enough to let me take them home and get some opinions.

So here is where I need your help…  I will post photos of both options below ,and it would be very helpful if you could give me your honest opinion on which frame is the best.

Option 1:
These are rimless glasses with a very striking arm and are quite stylish.  I like them but am unsure if I am “hip” enough to pull them off. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Glasses Option 1 Glasses Option 1 Glasses Option 1

Option 2:
These are similar to my current frames but have some really great details (rhinestones, tortoise shell, and purple insides) that make them fun. Click on the image to see a larger version

Glasses Option 2 Glasses Option 2 Glasses Option 2

So comment here, on facebook, or on twitter and let me know which set you like the best. Once I get the new frames, I will post a photo to let everyone know which set I picked.

Remember to be honest!!

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/help-me-pick-new-glasses/feed/ 5 Curtains or wall hanging… you decide http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/curtains-or-wall-hanging-you-decide/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/curtains-or-wall-hanging-you-decide/#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:07:24 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=127 Matt and I completed a home improvement / decorating project this weekend that we have been planning to do for some time now.  We setup a  curtain system on in our dining room.  We have a sliding glass doors at the back of our house, and while it is beautiful to look out of, at dinner time the light coming in the door is blinding.  So to reduce the  light and create a decorative wall hanging, we put up a curtain system from Ikea.

The systems consists of three sheer decorative panels that are attached to three tracks that run the length of our dining room wall.  If we want to use the panels to block the sun, we simply pull them in front of the sliding glass doors where they block the bright light but still allow you to see bits and pieces of the outside.  When they are not being used to block the sun, which is most of the time, they hang in front of our large purple wall next to the sliding doors and act as a decoration.

We are both quite pleased with the final product and enjoy the unique yet practical solution for our light blocking and decorative needs.  Setup of the curtains was relatively easy and only took Matt and I a couple of hours ( and we didn’t even have a fight).  The panels themselves came in 10ft rolls that we cut to the right length and secured to the tracks using panel mounting hardware that allows them to slide.

Our only question now is what length to leave the panels. We currently have them all the same length reaching about four inches from the floor.  This works great when the panels are in front of the door; however, we have baseboard heat, and the panels now hang in front of one of our heaters, and we are concerned this may be a fire hazard once we start using the heat again.  One solution is to shorten the panels so they are all above the heater but at varying lengths.  We think this would have a cool visual effect while still providing plenty of coverage on our sliding door.

What do you think?

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/curtains-or-wall-hanging-you-decide/feed/ 0 Frozen assets http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/frozen-assets/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/frozen-assets/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:55:33 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=124 I am now the proud owner of a brand new chest freezer. Tuesday Matt and I finally purchased one.  We have been talking about doing it for a few years, but when chickens literally started falling out of our regular freezer, it became obvious it was time.

We purchased a Kenmore 5.0 cu. ft chest freezer from Sears, and it is now happily freezing away in our garage. Our plan is to put the backlog of chickens we have from our CSA, along with any vegetables we can’t eat, in the chest freezer for longer term storage.  We are also hoping to split a side of beef from a local farmer with some friends.

We are very excited about the possiblity of being able to get local meat and vegetables and have access to it in the winter and not just the summer when things are “in season”.

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/frozen-assets/feed/ 1 … And We’re Back http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/and-were-back/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/and-were-back/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:48:54 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=117 Recently some new people have stumbled across my poor neglected blog and commented that they enjoyed reading it, which has given me the urge to write again.  In the past, I blogged about my life, my work, family, technology, and posted humorous videos among other things.  However, I am not sure what form my writings will take this time around.

As before, I am sure some of it will be an outlet for my strong opinions on life in general, but I would also like to think I will blog about things that people find useful or at the very least entertaining.  Otherwise, why would any one ready in the first place.

I would also like to write some about some of my new interstes including knitting, which Ijust can’t get enough of, and biking.  I am currently embroiled in multiple knitting projects, including but not limited to a sweater for myself, a baby sweater for friends in VA, a herring bone scarf for Matthew, a set of wash clothes for my mother in law, and a baby blanket for Loops of Love.  Needless to say it takes up a lot of my free  and not so free time.

I have also started biking more regularly thanks to a wonderful purple bike Matt found at a yardsale.  My current goal is to ride to work at least once a week.  It has been quite fun and a great way to squeeze in some excercise in my already full schedule.

So, if there is still someone out there paying attention to my, as of late neglected blog, I am back.  i will continue to blog about my life as a geek, knitting enthusiest, part-time bike commuter, extrovert, wife (pastor’s wife, if you must), friend, first time home owner, lover of stupid internet videos, and complexly unique individual.

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/and-were-back/feed/ 0 Wassup with our country? http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/wassup-with-our-country/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/wassup-with-our-country/#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:51:03 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=115 I have been a complete slacker about writing blog posts the past few months, mostly due to Matt starting a new job and us moving into a new home.  So, much like my recent posts, I have a video to share.

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/wassup-with-our-country/feed/ 1 I am back! http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/i-am-back/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/i-am-back/#comments Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:59:08 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=110 Well, after a month-long self imposed hiatus, I am back to blogging. Life has been very crazy the past month and something had to give. Unfortunately it turned out to be my blog. If anyone is still paying attention, thanks for your patience.

So what has been going on all this time, you ask? Matt and I have been, and still are, buying a house. Yes that’s right, buying a house. Now I know we said we were going to do the responsible thing and wait a year so we could save up a substantial down payment and then buy a house, but the more we thought about it the more now felt like the right time. It is truly a buyers market, interest rates are they lowest they have been in years and are only going to go up, and we are tired of throwing our money away paying rent.

After looking at what felt like every house in Richmond, we chose a wonderful house in a neighborhood called Hidden Valley. It is a gorgeous area. Very peaceful and private but still with great proximity to work, friends, and everything else life entails.

It has been a learning process to say the least, and we definitely couldn’t have made it this far without help from our very knowledgeable and supportive friends and a good realtor.

Now what you have been waiting for: Photos of the House

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/i-am-back/feed/ 1 Ordination here we come! http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/ordination-here-we-come/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/ordination-here-we-come/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:41:19 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=83 This past Friday night (April 4, 2008) Matt had his pre-ordination interview and was approved for ordination in the Church of the Brethren pending completion of his degree at Bethany and a call (or job offer) from a church (You’ll be able to read more about his side of the story in his soon to be launched blog). In the Church of the Brethren, (I can’t speak for other denominations) the candidate’s spouse is also expected to attend this interview, along with any interviews at prospective churches. Therefore, as a good wife, I went with him to his interview.

Matt and I are both well aware of the fact that I don’t fit into what is often seen as the traditional role of a “pastor’s wife” – plays the organ, teaches Sunday school, cooks copiously for potlucks, and is employed as either a teacher, librarian, or stay-at-home mom. As has often been the case throughout Matt’s journey into ministry I was apprehensive of what the committee might think of me. At Matt’s licensing interview, I was told my uniqueness was an asset, but there is never any way to know how different groups will perceive me.

The interview went well and the committee asked Matt a barrage of deep theological questions, which to his credit he answered thoughtfully and with confidence. The only question directed to me was about my opinion on the reality of living in a fishbowl of sorts when Matt becomes a pastor. Of all the questions I expected them to ask me, (How did I see my role as pastors wife? What did I plan to do to support Matt in his ministry? What were my thoughts on him being ordained?) this had not crossed my mind. Mostly because I think Matt and I live fairly transparent lives as it is, and the idea of changing who we are or how we act because someone else is watching wasn’t something I had thought of.

I received a good hearted just-you-wait-chuckle from most of the committee when I mentioned that I didn’t think we would change how we act when he became a pastor I said we knew neither of us fit into the traditional pastor/pastor’s wife mold but we were willing to make our unique relationship work for us. Since Matt and I don’t take on the traditional husband and wife roles in our marriage now, we don’t plan to change that.

While I may not support Matt’s ministry in the typical ways, I will support him just as much in my own ways. By working full-time at a job I love to put him through grad school. By sharing his interests in computers, cars, the great outdoors, and other activities he will use to rejuvenate himself while serving as a pastor . By telling him he is one of the best cooks I know and encouraging him to make the copious food for potlucks I most certainly will not cook myself. By engaging in deep debates with him, theological or otherwise. By listening to his sermons and offering advice and constructive criticism. By getting involved in the church in ways that I am able, such as helping with visual presentations, web design, fund raising, worship leading, and being a generally friendly person.

I may never teach a Sunday school class, work in the nursery, bake cookies, or smile and nod politely to everything Matt says, but I will be authentically and unabashedly myself. And, honestly, if people want to look in our fishbowl, that is what I hope they see.

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/ordination-here-we-come/feed/ 0 Monday Nights — UNPLUGGED http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/monday-nights-unplugged/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/monday-nights-unplugged/#comments Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:48:28 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=80 Matt and I are trying a new experiment. We are starting “unplugged” Monday evenings. We are going to leave the computers, TV, and Wii turned off all evening. Instead, we are going to do things like read, knit, play racquetball, work in the garden, or go for walks. It should be interesting. Especially seeing as we are both quite addicted to our computers. Giving up the TV for one night a week, especially with Tivo, will be no hardship, but not checking our email, Facebook, RSS feeds, instant messengers, etc. is going to require quite a bit more self control.

We both want to give it a try though, because we find ourselves spending far more time than necessary vegging out in front of the computer or TV. We often intend to check something real quick online or watch one show Tivo has recorded for us and find ourselves in the same spot several hours later. It will also be nice for me because I spend my whole day in front of the computer and will probably sleep better after at least one night of computer-free time.

I am sure there could even be some financial gain in the form of lowered electric bill if we actually unplug our computers and TV. Both continue to use up electricity when we are not actively use them, and though it may be a small amount, with the way prices are climbing these days, every little bit helps.

So, if you are looking for me tonight, or any other Monday night until we decide otherwise, don’t look online!

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/monday-nights-unplugged/feed/ 2 Richmond gets a visit from a former president http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/richmond-gets-a-visit-from-a-former-president/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/richmond-gets-a-visit-from-a-former-president/#comments Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:01:17 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=77

Bill Clinton came to Richmond today, and Matt and I decided to join everyone else from my office and attend his speech. I am personally not a big fan, but it was such an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t pass it up. It actually turned out to be quite interesting. Clinton came to one of the local fire stations, and they only let in 500 people. This left another 500 or so standing in the rain outside the fire station listening to his speech over the speaker system. There was quite a buzz in the air, and a lot of people were very excited to get a glimpse of our former president. A few of my friends were even able to shake his hand.

There were snipers on the roof tops of nearby buildings and secret services agents all over the place. As for his speech, like most politicians I have heard, he said a lot of things that sounded wonderful in theory. It was chock full of emotion- inducing buzz words like clean energy, balanced budget, universal health care, Iraq, and elect-ability. Unfortunately, I was left with the same question I am always left with no matter what party the candidate is from… HOW? How is Hillary, or any of the other candidates for that matter, going to accomplish all their lofty goals, and how much of what we are hearing is just empty campaign promises soon to be forgotten upon election. Or in Bill’s case, upon his wife’s election.

Call me cynical, but I am still not sure I trust any of them…

On the positive side, I got to experience a political rally for the first time, and what an experience it was. There are rumors that Obama will be campaigning here in two weeks, and I may just have to go to that too.

For more photos from the event, check out my photos section.

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/richmond-gets-a-visit-from-a-former-president/feed/ 1 Weekend update http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/weekend-update/ http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/weekend-update/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:08:25 +0000 Becky McKimmy http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/?p=74 Matt and I had a great trip back to Virginia for my mom’s and sister’s birthdays. We had a wonderful time, including some hilarious Wii antics with my mom and sister. (Check out the pictures) Neither of them had ever played before, and it turned into a full contact video game pretty quickly.

We were quite glad to miss out on all the snow here in Richmond and enjoy the 50 degree weather in Virginia. I have to say though, as we were driving home I realized this was one of the first times in my life that I did not dread leaving the comfort of my parents’ house.

As much as I love and miss my family, I am finally in a place in my life where I am happy. I know at least part of it comes from having a job I love and enjoy going to everyday, but my life in general seems to be in a really good place at this point. I have a great group of friends, I have found new and exciting hobbies like knitting and racquetball, and I have gotten to experience things that never would have been possible before, like my trip to Brazil and the supper co-op we participated in over the past few months. My boundaries have been stretched, and I look forward to the exciting and unknown things that wait for Matt and I in the future.

I never thought I would say it, but Richmond, Indiana seems to agree with me. It may not be the biggest town or have all the amenities one could hope for, but I feel like it has opened up a world of opportunity to me that wouldn’t have been there had we not ended up here.

Related posts

]]> http://www.beckymckimmy.com/blog/weekend-update/feed/ 1