my rant about water safety

It’s been a tragic weekend on North Texas lakes: four people drowned. In *ONE* day, three people drowned on Joe Pool Lake in Arlington and another man drowned in Lake Lewisville after falling out of a boat. Emergency officials and specialized dive teams continue to search for a three-year-old who fell into a Greenville reservoir while fishing with his father. At this point, authorities are calling this a “recovery” effort, rather than rescue. The child is the fifth drowning victim in North Texas this weekend.

The first victim at Joe Pool jumped into the water to save his three stepchildren, who had fallen off an inflatable raft. They were eventually pulled to safety, along with their mother, but the man later died at the hospital. The second victim fell off the inner tube he was riding behind a boat. He did not resurface. The third victim fell off his jet ski.

My heart goes out to the families mourning the death of their loved one. But, I truly believe these deaths could have been prevented *IF* the individuals had been wearing life jackets.

Though I am no longer a certified lifeguard, I’ve spent a lot of time around water and I’m an excellent swimmer. When I was younger, it was mandatory that I wore a life jacket at all times, whether I was swimming in a backyard pool or riding on a boat or jet ski. When I was older, I took swim lessons and eventually joined the swim team at the YMCA. One of my most vivid memories of swimming was water treading. After every lesson, my instructor required swimmers to tread water for 30 minutes in the deep end of the pool. As tired as I was from the lesson, my arms and legs never stopped moving and my head stayed above the water.
When I turned 12, I became first aid and CPR certified through the American Red Cross.
It’s something I renew on a bi-annual basis.

To not sound like a hypocrite, I admit to not wearing a life jacket at all times now. I do not wear one when swimming and I did not wear any floatation device while snorkeling in Cozumel. However, I always wear a life jacket while riding a boat or jet ski across open water. My philosophy: if something freak-ish happens and I am unconscious, that life jacket is going to keep me facing up. The modern life jackets are designed to keep you afloat and your head above water.

Ignore my advice if you’re so inclined to do so, but I take water safety very seriously. I grew up respecting the tranquil, yet powerful natural force. As peaceful as water may seem, it can be very deadly.

This is my two-cents-worth. Now, go have fun this summer, but please use common sense.

Sunday Social ~ Week One

Neely and Ashley have created this weekly Sunday Social link-up and, while I’m a bit late, I’m happy to participate. Besides, this is something I really enjoy about blogging: meeting other bloggers. Check it out!!!!!

How did you come up with your blog name?
Three 31 is our anniversary date. Husband and I were married on Saturday, March 31, 2007. It was a pretty awesome day and full of fun too. I’d do it all over again tomorrow!

What is your favorite thing about blogging?
The friendships I have made for sure. I would really love to go on a vacation trip with several of my gal-pals that I’ve met through blogging.

What have you have discovered because of blogging and now can’t live without?
Two things: my Kindle Touch and Nikon DSLR camera. Both were recommendations of Lisa.
I never thought I would enjoy the Kindle as much as I do and my photos are getting better.

Facebook or Twitter? and why?
I’ve used Twitter more in the last month than I have in two years, but Facebook is still my favorite. Perhaps that will change as I learn to utilize Twitter better. I’m new to all this fancy-schmancy stuff. I don’t even TEXT, who would’ve thought I’d be able to blog?!

If one celeb read your blog who would you want it to be?
I would love if Bethenny Frankel read my blog. I’m not a stalker – REALLY! – but I watched her on Martha Stewart’s The Apprentice, The Real Housewives of New York, Bethenny Getting Married, and Bethenny Ever After. I’m really excited about her new talk-show starting this week on FOX, it’s produced by Ellen DeGeneres (my second choice for celeb blog reader!!!!). Y’all don’t think I’m a stalker, do you?

What is something you want people to know about your blog?
It’s not perfect ~ it’s far from pretty ~ but it’s 100-percent me. The stories, the experiences, everything on here is authentic, real, and genuinely me. I wish more people commented because a comment, to me, is a real connection to my blog’s readers. I respond to every one of them because I care and I appreciate the person who spent the time reading my post and sharing their thoughts. I’m a comment-holic, I admit my disease. I also want to be acknowledged and accepted and comments make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

 

Until next week’s Sunday Social,

I’m going to the Holy Land in 2013

I cannot keep secrets. I have to spill the beans.

In 2013, I’m going to the Holy Land.

Not only will I be getting more stamps in my passport book, but I will set foot on another continent. I will fly across the Atlantic Ocean. EEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m just a tad-bit excited about this trip. Can’t you tell?! Unfortunately, there’s a bit of time between now and January 30, 2013.

Photo courtesy of BijoySamuel

Photo by RobHartley

Here’s a tentative schedule of what I will see and do in Israel:

The City of Bethlehem and the Nativity Church

Jesus’s baptismal site in the Jordan River

Visit Jericho, the world’s oldest city.

Swim Float in the Dead Sea

Pray at The Wailing Wall

Sail on the Sea of Galilee

Stand where Jesus read the Sermon on the Mount

Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane

Walk the Ruins of Capernaum

Journey along the Via Dolorosa

Celebrate the Sacrament of Communion at the Garden Tomb

I cannot even put my excitement into words. I’ve been wanting to go to Israel and the Holy Land for many years, but the opportunity was not available or the time wasn’t right.
I’m going with several people from my church and we have the best leader ever. I wouldn’t want to go to Israel without her (shout out to the Rev.L and an early birthday wish for her).

Come with me to Israel! Join me on this trip of a lifetime!

If you are interested in going, send me a message at nicole.m.hutchison (at) gmail.com. We’re traveling with Educational Opportunities and the professionally-guided trip costs less than $2,500. The all-inclusive trip includes international airfare, guided sightseeing, lecture series, deluxe motor coaches, and entrance fees into attractions.

Did I say I was just a wee-bit excited?

I’m. Really. Excited.

And so blessed!!!!!!!

10 Books Every American Should Read (according to Huffington Post)

I like to think of myself as someone who reads for pleasure and not only for academic purposes. Sure, there were several books I *had* to read for a particular class or assignment, but there are certainly others that I have read for simple pleasure. As I get older, reading has become more of a priority. I like to read books that challenge me, make me think, make me wander, make me question, and, most importantly, make me crave for more. I like a variety of fiction and non-fiction, biographies, religious and spirituality, and, yes, even the 50 Shades Trilogy (it fits into multiple categories, I think). I subscribe to The Huffington Post and they recently published a list of 10 Books Every American NEEDS to Read.

How many of these books have you read? Leave a comment below!

Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776)

I’m pretty sure I read this book for American and British literature courses in college, perhaps even for advanced classes in high school, but I don’t remember anything specific.
I know it was in support of the 13 colonies breaking away from Great Britian’s rule. It’s year of publication (1776) is significant as that was the year the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and signed at the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

This particular time in America’s history ~ say, 1700 to 1900 ~ is my favorite period to study and discuss. I definitely paid attention in class!

The Federalist Papers by A.Hamilton, J.Madison, and J.Jay (1788)

Again, a book written during my favorite time in American history but I don’t think I’ve read this collection in its entirety. I know I’ve read bits and pieces for specific assignments and research projects though. These papers (or essays) were written to persuade the citizens of the United States of America to adopt (and accept) The Constitution.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852)

According to Abraham Lincoln, Stowe was the “little lady who caused a war.” This book was a major factor in the anti-slavery movement. I read it multiple times.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (1885)

Read it once. I think this book is banned from most schools for its language. That’s disappointing considering Twain is still considered an icon of American literature.

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936)

Don’t fret when I say this, but I have never read this book. I’ve watched the movie a gazillion and one times, does that count for anything? I have a sudden craving for popcorn and a day with Scarlett and Rhett. Want to join me for movie day at Ropin’ H Ranch!?!?!

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1939)

Read this book in high school and college. It depicts the life of a family in Oklahoma forced to leave their farm during the Dust Bowl and brought much attention to the Great Depression.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952)

I have *NOT* read this book. Sounds interesting. Intriguing. Mysterious.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961)

I have *NOT* read this book.

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (1962)

I have *NOT* read this book.

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown (1970)

I have *NOT* read this book, but I want to as soon as possible. I recently experienced the most incredible repentance and remembrance worship service honoring the history and heritage of Native Americans. They suffered great hardship at the hands of Christian Anglos. It was a very moving ceremony for me. It made an impact that I won’t forget. Ever.

* * * * * * * * * *

I love to read your comments. Tell me: What book(s) are on your summer reading list? Do you plan to read any of the titles mentioned here? Do you agree or disagree with this list?

REMINDER —–> Margaret Feinberg’s summer book club
featuring The Organic God begins Monday, June 11. Join me, plus many
others from around the world, in this adventure. It’s sure to please!

“dite” changes and a public service announcement

I returned home yesterday evening from a conference in Waco and most of the way home, it rained. It continued raining throughout the night and the sound of thunder was glorious. I haven’t been outside to check the rain gauge this morning, but I’m sure we got at least a half-inch. Before bedtime, Husband unplugged all of our electronic devices and disconnected cable cords from the TVs and computers.

A friend of his recently experienced monumental and EXPENSIVE damage after a thunderstorm. Lightning hit the man’s house and coincidentally struck every TV, computer, satellite box, and even the a/c unit inside and out. Ouch!

Needless to say, I wasn’t online last night. I was comatose in my recliner. What is it about conventions or conferences that are so exhausting? I mean, most of the programs were situated in this expansive space and all clergy and laity were seated at tables. It wasn’t an energetic event, why am I so tired?

I tell you all of that to say this: someone or something hacked into my Twitter account and posted several times about my “dite” changes and experiencing incredible weight loss.

Say what? What are dite changes?

Thinking about it now, I wish I had saved the posts so I could show them to you here, but I’ve already deleted them and reset my Twitter password. Dang you, Thwackers!

Consider this post a friendly reminder. When’s the last time you changed your password to Facebook, Twitter, or email? More importantly, when’s the last time you changed your password to online bank accounts?

This post has been a public service announcement provided free of charge from Yours Truly. Please, change your online account passwords and protect yourself. There are some crazy mother-truckers in this world.

Concerned & Exhausted,

Giveaway Results (and a *SURPRISE*) — “The Organic God” by Margaret Feinberg

I normally don’t publish a separate post for giveaway winners but I’m doing something a little different this time. I’m having a moment of gracious-explosion-ness (I know, that’s not a word) and I’m spreading some serious generosity ’round these parts.

I’ve waited since Sunday night to announce this. I used Random.org to be fair, and I confirmed shipment details. I cannot keep the secret a moment longer.

Well …. just a second.

I must express my appreciation and gratitude to every single person who participated. This was one of the largest responses to date at Three 31. You make it worthwhile, thank you!

Next, Margaret Feinberg has been an incredible friend to me. She and Leif (her husband) have been so generous with event tickets, product giveaways, personal letters, and support for my mission trip to Haiti that I decided to EXPAND this giveaway for her summer book club – which begins June 11.

Are you ready for the big reveal?

What if I said there was something “extra” included?

Are you ready now?

Okay …. here goes.

In my meager attempt to say THANK YOU to Margaret and THANK YOU to you (blog readers), I am providing not two ….. not three ….. but FOUR sets of The Organic God to some very special people.

Here are the winners:

Again, I cannot express how thankful I am to blog readers and Margaret. If you did not win, I hope you’ll visit Margaret’s website and purchase the set of materials before June 10. The products are priced RIDICULOUSLY LOW ($34.99) for the book, DVD set, and a participant’s workbook. This is the whole she-bang and Margaret will definitely rock your socks with this deal. I wish I could buy a set for every giveaway participant, but then my bank account would be zero and the water and electric companies would turn off our utilities. It’s nearly 100-degrees and this girl needs A/C. But I still love y’all.

To the winners: congratulations and please enjoy this gift.

To all of you: have a blessed day.

Smiling because I can,

Boom. Boom. Pow. (our visit to the range)

It’s pretty obvious I’m a country girl. I go barefoot more than I wear shoes. I’m not afraid of sweat and hard work. I drink my iced tea sweet and Jason Aldean is my boyfriend, I mean a good singer. I also like shooting firearms. Now, before we get all technical, I haven’t a clue about the names and calibers and fancy-schmancy descriptions. Growing up, I went to the fields with my Dad to bird hunt, played around on the skeet range, and, nowadays, I enjoy shooting high-powered target rifles with him. I couldn’t tell you the name, model, or caliber of any gun I’ve shot … even if my life depended on it. I aim. I fire.

Husband and I have been talking about purchasing a set of hand guns. After lunch (the place with chicken sandwiches and dairy cows in their commercials …. yeah, that one!), we stopped at a range that’s down the road (literally … it’s less than a mile from the house) to check their prices and for me to look at guns. My hands, as hard as this is to believe, are really small. I held a dozen guns before I found one that was comfortable. After talking to the gun shop / range owner, we rented a lane and shot one of the guns in his case. It was a Ruger MarkIII 22. The picture below is close, except the one we shot had a “suppressor” to make the “boom boom pow” quieter.

Now, let me remind you that I have ZERO experience shooting hand guns. I’ve fired one ONCE (about a month ago) and it was nothing to write home about. It was louder than I expected and I wish I had worn ear protection. (Lesson learned and that won’t happen again. Promise.) Anyway, when Husband and I were ready to shoot this Ruger MarkIII, I wore ear muffs AND ear plugs. I’m a double-protection kind of gal, if ya know what I mean. (tee hee hee)

The first few shots with the Ruger were pitiful, to say the least. But I calmed down, relaxed a bit, and my aim improved.

I should also mention that there was a guy in the lane next to us who had a gun that sounded like a Civil War cannon. Every time that thing fired, my insides shook. No exaggerating!!!!

Husband came out of the gates shooting like he was Mister Sniper. This was obviously NOT his first time shooting a hand gun. In fact, he loaded the clip and fired away. Tap! Tap! Tap! and he was done. Good gracious.

We shot a total of 50 rounds (or shots) and, of course, the last 10 were competitive. Husband and I can’t tie our shoe-strings without making an incentive out of it. I loaded the clip with my five shells and concentrated really hard. REALLY hard. My family’s name was on the line here, for goodness sakes!

Before I show you mine, here are Husband’s final five shots at the target:

And now, let the winner of the *Boom-Boom-Pow-Pow Shoot-Out* please stand up:

cue the celebratory music, please

Granted, I was a little all over the place. *HOWEVER* I had two shots inside the smaller white target area.

Husband has already begun the search to purchase our own Rugers AND challenged me to another shoot-out. Bring it on, buddy.

Bring.

It.

On.

Sincerely,

P.S. I’ll be in Waco this week at Annual Conference for the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. I’m the Young Adult Lay Representative from Joshua. I’m excited and will definitely be on social media as much as I can. If you are on Twitter, follow me.
For updates on church business, use the official hashtag #ctcac2012.

A to Z of Me (and new friends)

For the past few days, I’ve really embraced the world of Twitter. It’s extremely time-consuming, but I’ve made a lot of new friends and subscribed to more blogs too.

I’ve said it before but I think it’s worth saying again: there are some
seriously talented people in the blog-o-sphere and I’m in no way, shape, or form in the same ballpark as them. I am, however, very impressed and I have a bad case of blog-stalker syndrome.

Please say hello to my new friends:

• Kendra @ Like A Bird
• Laura @ Our Reflection
• Tammy @ Three Different Directions
• Erika, Brittni, and Jenna @ Twenty Tweets
• Carly @ Texas Lovebirds
• Kimberly @ A Night Owl
• Salena @ A Little Piece of Me
• Karly @ Three in Three
• Ange (The Jersey Girl) @ Hairspray and High Heels
• Mrs.White @ Little Homemade Housewife

I saw the following list at Like A Bird, this is the blog of Kendra. You should  stop by and say hello. You’ll also see her brand-new-still-got-the-new-car-smell baby boy, Jeff. He’s quite tiny and very handsome!

A. Age: 28

B. Bed size: King!

C. Chore that you hate: All of them? Laundry is a beast.

D. Dogs: As much as I love dogs (and cats), Husband and I currently have no pets, except Blue (the white horse). I want a dog. I actually want two of them. I’m thinking two Basset Hounds named “Hatfield” and “McCoy.” They’ll feud for my love and affection and hugs and kisses and I’ll be in heaven because big ears and wet kisses make me swoon.

E. Essential start to your day: Pee first, then wash my face and brush my teeth.

F. Favorite color: This is really hard because I can’t choose just one. I love color and my wardrobe includes tops of all shades. Right now, I like cool, refreshing shades of blues and greens and cheerful shades of bright coral, pink, and orange.

G. Gold or Silver: My wedding band is white gold.

H. Height: 5 foot 11 inches.

I. Instruments you play: None.

J. Job title: Oh this will be interesting. I’m a substitute teacher and full-time wife, daughter, and friend. I’m not a “paid” church staff person, but I’m constantly doing church stuff: mission trips, newsletter editor, media team, and laity representative.

K. Kids: I want one someday. Maybe.

L. Live: in the country, 20 miles south of Fort Worth, Texas.

M. Mother’s name: Mom. (tee hee hee) Her name is Charlotte. She’s a jewel. You can read more about her HERE.

N. Nicknames: Five-Twelve. Cupcake Lady. One uncle still calls me Punkin and another uncle occasionally calls me Nicki because he knows I hate it and it makes us laugh. No one else calls me that for a reason, I get upset. No more nicknames, please!

O. Overnight hospital stays: Several, when I was younger. It’s been many (more than 10) years since I’ve been in the hospital overnight.

P. Pet peeves: Cabinets and drawers left open (HUSBAND!).

Q. Quote from a movie: “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” (The Help) and “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” (Gone With the Wind)

R. Right or left handed: Right

S. Siblings: None by blood. Several by choice.

U. Underwear: Cotton = Comfort …. that’s all I’m saying.

V. Vegetable you hate: Okra and brussel sprouts and eggplant.

W. What makes you run late: Nothing. I’m always early, I HATE being late!

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Knees. Fingers. Fortunately, I’ve never had a broken bone.

Y. Yummy food that you make: I haven’t received many complaints. I think my cupcakes are pretty phenomenal, as is my green bean casserole.

Z. Zoo animal: Lions and tigers.

That was fun!

If you do an A to Z of you, please send a link back to me and let me know so I can check it out and get to know you too!

me + monthly photo challenges = a bad combination

I am a failure at monthly photography challenges.

This morning, a post was published *ACCIDENTALLY* for the May photo challenge. That would have been all fine and dandy except for it contained no photos. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

The next time I get a wild-hair up my @$$ to participate in some month-long event, somebody please remind me of the following:

• Your cell phone is from the 15th century. It makes calls, receives calls, and features a clock. It does *NOT* have photo-taking capabilities.
• You don’t take your camera with you everywhere. If you did, people would think you’re the paparazzi at the grocery store. Not a cool thing.

• Instead of signing up for a month-long photo challenge, go read 50 Shades.

Enjoy your day. Maybe I’ll go outside and take a picture of something.