A New Adventure (or Two)

While it seems there's never a dull moment around here, things are particularly chaotic lately. Here are just a couple of the reasons...

An Exciting Endeavor
I've been thinking and praying a lot lately (OK, a few months now) about pursuing new writing opportunities. I love blogging, but I've felt for some time that this blog has become rather "random." Originally, it started it as a place for creative exercises for myself and to keep up with far-away family and friends. I've gone through phases of posting mostly pics of the kids for our family and phases of posting some of the tougher spiritual struggles in our journey.

I knew that if I wanted to get "serious" about blogging, I needed a purpose. There's been no real purpose in this blog except whatever popped into my head on any given day. That would have to change. I thought and thought, brainstormed, and prayed and prayed, and I've decided to start a NEW blog!

I'll keep both for awhile, but this one will probably become more posts about our kids and things that only family and close friends would really care about (birthday parties, field trips, playdates, etc.). The new blog will be where I post my more in-depth writing: things about my faith, resources I've discovered, lessons I'm learning, random gripes and rumblings, etc. (along with the occasional recipe and craft idea I find along the way!)

A Challenging Detour
I was all set to pour my time and energy into my new writing "baby" when we had some unexpected news. In the two years since a 6-inch tumor was removed from my thigh, I've had regular check-ups and scans. All have come back clear...until a couple of months ago.

A small "suspicious" mass was noticed in the muscle of the same leg from which the original tumor was removed. Many more scans and multiple doctor visits later, and we still don't know much. We know it's a very small mass, so small in fact, that they can't get to it for a biopsy.

So, next Tuesday I will have another surgery to remove this mass for biopsy....major DETOUR. Or so I thought.

Then I realized this might be the perfect time to launch my new blog...a place where people can follow me on this new journey and hopefully stick with me once this little detour is finished.

So, if you've liked what you've read here on Chocolate Ink, I invite you to join me at
There Is Grace as I blog about my faith, family, and finding grace amidst it all.

Come on over...I'd love to have you!

Disclaimer

I will be hijacking my own blog for awhile. Let me explain...we used to have a secure web site where we could share photos of our kids with friends and family who live far away, as most of our family does. This allowed us to share everyday moments with those we wish could share them in person.

Unfortunately our site is down for the time-being. So I will be using my blog to post even MORE pictures of my children and our outings to share with our far-off loved ones. (I can't imagine why anyone would NOT want to endure pictures of my GORGEOUS children, but I apologize for any off-putting self-indulgence. ;))

I will still be posting the occasional book review, household ideas, comments on life and faith, or anything else that strikes my fancy; however, as time is limited I'm afraid most of it will be devoted sharing snippets of our life with those we love. Of course, you are included in that, so I hope you will join us for the journey...I'm sure it will be a wild ride!

I-Pod Giveaway!

Wouldn't an I-Pod make a great Christmas gift...for yourself or a loved one? Focus on the Family is giving away three I-Pods every day from now until Dec. 13. Each I-Pod is pre-loaded with all 16 CD sets from the Adventures in Odyssey® Gold Audio Series, including Volumes 1-15 and The Lost Episodes. For more information, or to enter the contest, click here.

Win a $500 Wal-Mart Gift Card!

Arianne at To Think Is To Create is giving away a $500 Wal-Mart Gift Card. Click here for more details, and to get some great cost-saving ideas for the holidays!

The Silence Is Finally Broken

Yes, it has been almost 2 weeks since my last post. I am ashamed to admit it. There's not one, but many reasons for my silence:

• Preparing to go out of town
• Going out of town for a quick weekend trip...last weekend
• Recovering from the trip
• Jumping right in to responsibilities and commitments upon our return
• Chasing a 15-month-old who has discovered there are stairs and furniture to climb, buttons to push, and cabinets and drawers to investigate
• Attempting to convince the same 15-month-old that naps are still a good idea!

The list could go on and on, but probably the biggest contributor to my absence is my recent striving to be more disciplined. Several months back I had a spiritual crisis of sort. Let me assure you, before you call the prayer chain, that my eternal soul was not hanging in the balance or anything of the sort. However, the simple challenge of my faith was enough to make me realize that my daily spiritual disciplines--prayer, Bible study, daily connection with God, etc.--had taken a back seat to the "more demanding" tasks of managing my home and nurturing my family. After a couple of spiritually-difficult and emotionally-draining days, I made a renewed commitment to make time for spiritual disciplines.

This return to spiritual discipline began to show me my lack of discipline in other areas. So, my next area of focus was our budget. Since we are hoping to purchase a new house next year, this area of our lives really needs to be scrutinized! So I set out planning meals, shopping for sales and discounts, and keeping closer tabs on our day-to-day spending. While there is still room for improvement, I'm happy to say there's been significant improvement in the last couple of months. (Huh..who would have thought a little disciplined action could make a difference!)

My latest area of focus is health and fitness. I've never been the poster child for athleticism, but now that I've had two children and that great big 4-0 is getting closer by the day (although still a few years away!), I'm beginning to see the need for giving more attention to my health and fitness. It's true I'd like to see those last 15 pounds of "baby weight" finally come off, but my initial goals are to be healthy, to increase my energy and feel good, and to set a positive example for my kids. So, we dusted off the treadmill and I dug my running shoes out of the closet...who knows maybe you'll see me in a marathon one day (although I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you!).

You're probably wondering, So, what does any of this have to do with anything? Why in the world did you feel the need to take up an entire post on this? And why have I read the entire thing?!

I have to idea why you've read this far, but if you have...thank you for sticking with me. I'm sharing this for a couple of reasons. All of these things--as any area of discipline--require two things...time and commitment. Commitment is one thing I've never had trouble giving. Time, on the other hand, is a rare commodity these days...more now than ever. That means in order for me to truly remain disciplined in these areas, something else will have to give. Right now that something else is my computer time....thus the main reason for my recent silence. (I finally pulled it all together...aren't you glad you stuck with me?) I'm not saying I'm retiring my blog, or throwing out my laptop...never! I'm simply saying that, for awhile at least, you may see fewer posts from me. Don't worry...I'm still around, and I'll still be popping on as often as I can.

The other reason I'm posting this, is that I believe discipline is something we all struggle with. It's easy to make the time and spend the energy to do something in the beginning...it's new, it's exciting. But after we've done it for awhile, other things start to look new and interesting. If we're not careful, we can replace the old with the new. We'd rather spend time online than spend time with God. We'd rather sleep in...just this once, than get up to work out. We'd rather just relax and watch a movie than plan meals and make a shopping list. (Or am I the only one who does that?) We...I...need to remember it's when we stick with it that we ultimately see the best results.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up." --Galatians 6:9

What do you do to "keep going when the going gets tough"?

You Won't Hear Much from Me about Politics...

However, since the future of our nation lies in the balance today, I figured it is appropriate to share some thoughts. First, let me say I'm not one to jump in to a political discussion or debate. I typically try to avoid them, and if for some reason I can't, I'm usually the first to grow tired of it and leave the conversation.

It's not that I don't think we should be informed or aware. I absolutely believe that as an American and a Christian, it's one's obligation to be informed of the issues and take action in an appropriate manner. But I also grow weary of all the campaign ads, political debate, and speculation and conjecture from the "talking heads." But in this election, both sides seem to agree on one thing--there is so much at stake.

As a Christian, I am saddened, and often annoyed, by the way some "believers" approach political issues and elections. I believe there is NEVER an excuse for a Christian to be defamatory or malicious toward another person, no matter what their beliefs. That's why I was so proud when two friends each posted thoughtful and well-spoken insights on today's campaign. Each demonstrated intelligent arguments presented in a respectful and, I believe, Christlike attitude. You can read them here and here. Thank you Vince and John Jay!

First let me say that I have great respect and admiration for both candidates. I commend Barack Obama for overcoming great obstacles in his life to make a greater life for himself and his family...to essentially realize the American dream. And no one can dispute John McCain's service to his country, both in the military and as a prisoner of war. If, for no other reason, he deserves our utmost appreciation and respect.

As for the VP candidates, my heart goes out to Joe Biden for the personal tragedy he endured early in his career. I cannot imagine losing a spouse, let alone a child at the same time. As for Sarah Palin, I think her record and her reputation speak for themselves. In my opinion she has been treated unfairly by the mainstream media who seem to have a double standard when it comes to liberal vs. conservative women in politics. But Sarah Palin has risen above it and handled it with grace and dignity.

No one should vote for a candidate because of sympathetic circumstances or a charismatic personality. It is every American's duty--and more so every Christian's duty--to vote on the issues. I believe life begins at conception and we should do everything in our power to protect the unborn. I believe marriage should be between one man and one woman, and I believe in the traditional family unit. I believe the role of a Supreme Court justice is to interpret the law and Constitution, not rewrite it. I believe our country was founded by great men who had great faith in a supreme and all-knowing God, and it would serve our country well to remember that.

Whatever your opinions are on economic, military, or other political issues, if you are a follower of Christ, your sole concern should be the issues of morality. Our pastor said it so eloquently last Sunday, "We should be concerned with economic and political issues, but as Christians, moral issues trump every other political issue" (my paraphrase).

If you remain undecided, I urge you to seriously consider the issues--particularly moral ones--and pray fervently for direction. Ask yourself, what's really at stake in this election? It's more than just economics and health care...it's the moral fiber of our nation. Then, go vote! It's Election Day...get out there and vote your conscience!

100th Post!

And here it is...100 things you always wished you knew about me:

1. I was born in Kansas.
2. I have only lived in 2 states: Kansas and Missouri.
3. I lived exactly the first half of my life in Kansas, and now exactly the second half of my life in Missouri.
4. I have visited 31 of the continental United States and Alaska.
5. I have been to 4 other countries (Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, and France...and England if you count landing at the airport for a layover.)
6. I am the oldest of 3 girls.
7. I am a PK (preacher's kid).
8. I HATED being a PK when I was younger.
9. I have come to appreciate being a PK as I've grown older.
10. I have worked in almost every capacity in the local church (part of being a PK).
11. I was in a "beauty and talent pageant" in grade school.
12. I did not place in the top 3.
13. But I did learn a really cool "dance" routine to On Top of the World by The Carpenters.
14. I remember most of the actions to this day.
15. I had a "Dukes of Hazzard" lunchbox in grade school.
16. My most cherished toy as a child was my Mrs. Beasley doll.
17. My mom threw it away when we moved and told me it got lost. (I was in 1st grade.)
18. She bought me a replacement for my 30th birthday.
19. I played volleyball and basketball in high school, although I wasn't any good at either.
20. I took piano lessons from 2nd grade through college.
21. I played the trumpet in jr. high and high school.
22. I own a guitar, but don't play.
23. I would love to learn to play the guitar.
24. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music.
25. I have done NOTHING related to that degree since I graduated college.
26. I went to Bible college, so I also have a B.A. in Bible.
27. I have used that one since graduating.
28. I am a Type A person and a perfectionist (typical firstborn).
29. I have always been a perfectionist...not sure when the Type A thing evolved. I definitely wasn't that way in college!
30. I appreciate clever wit.
31. I tend to be a bit sarcastic.
32. That's not always a good thing.
33. I have dark brown (naturally), thick, curly hair.



(Kayren, this is for you!)


34. I have brown eyes.
35. I'm not telling you how much I weigh.
36. I've always been a bit prone to tripping over "nothing".
37. I hate mornings...with everything in me.
38. Autumn is my favorite season.
39. I like winter...until Jan. 2, then I'm done with it.
40. Christmas is my favorite holiday...followed by Thanksgiving and Halloween at a close second (even though having Halloween as a favorite holiday may be considered taboo).
41. I love candy corn, but only the week before Halloween. I don't care for it any other time of the year.
42. My favorite candy is dark chocolate peanut M&Ms.
43. My favorite dessert is pretty much anything chocolate.
44. I eat something chocolate almost every day (even if it's a few chocolate chips out of the freezer).
45. I inherited my chocolate-codependency from my mother and her mother.
46. I don't understand the point of desserts that aren't chocolate...unless it's pumpkin.
47. I would rate pumpkin (pumpkin pie and other desserts) as "almost chocolate" in my book.
48. I like to cook, but I LOVE to bake. (And I HATE to cleanup--whether it's cooking or baking!)
49. I love Mexican food.
50. I must have the dishes done and the kitchen cleaned up before I can relax for the evening.
51. I don't really feel that I can start my day unless the beds are made.
52. I used to work out regularly, but it's been pretty sporadic since the kids were born.
53. We own a treadmill, but it's not currently usable.
54. I would love to start running again regularly...I'll get on that some day!
55. I like all types of music, but my favorite style is probably big band/swing.
56. My favorite TV shows currently are The Office and Chuck.
57. I don't really have a favorite movie...I have several, depending on the genre.
58. I traveled with a ministry team the summer after college.
59. I taught drama ministry at my church for 7 years.
60. I've taught workshops on drama ministry and leadership.
61. I wrote a book on drama ministry with two of my closest friends.
62. I still talk to my two best friends from college almost every day.
63. One lives within 5 miles of me.
64. The other lives within 15 miles of me.
65. We were all addicted to Beverly Hills 90210 in college.
66. I haven't seen the new one, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it.
67. My "longest-time" friend is Lora at My Blessed Life.
68. We've literally known each other since we were a few months old.
69. She's the one who convinced me to start blogging.
70. I love to read.
71. I keep books and magazines stashed throughout the house (and in our vehicles) in case I can catch a few minutes to read.
72. I could get lost for hours in a bookstore...new or used.
73. I'm a bit compulsive when it comes to reading...I MUST reading everything from beginning to end.
74. I will finish a book, even if I don't like it.
75. I read magazines cover-to-cover, like a book.
76. I have a theory that if someone took the time to write, edit, and publish it, it surely must be worth reading (that is obviously not always the case!)
77. I love to write...mostly musings on my own life (as evidenced here on my blog).
78. I worked for a Christian publisher for 10 years.
79. During that time I worked on magazines, devotionals, Sunday School curriculum, web content development, youth ministry materieals, marketing pieces, Bible study materials, and more.
80. While working on a teen magazine, I had the opportunity to interview artists like Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, Jennifer Knapp, Third Day, and The Katinas.
81. I once had dinner with Jennifer Knapp at Zios.
82. I tripped and fell right into a puddle while walking with Audio Adrenaline (remember the whole "klutz" thing?)
83. When I got back to the office and told my friend, she told me I had something stuck in my teeth (which would have been there since lunch, and therefore throughout the ENTIRE interview with Audio A).
84. I am currently working on a series of children's books.
85. I hope to send them to a publisher next year.
86. I didn't get married until I was 30.
87. I knew my husband for 8 years when we married.
88. We met through friends in college.
89. Our friends set him up with my roomate.
90. They only went on one date.
91. We became friends years later through a weekly Bible study.
92. Six years later he asked me out.
93. Two years after that we were engaged.
94. Our anniversary is this Sunday.
95. We are going away for 2 nights.
96. The in-laws are coming to stay with the kids....woo-hoo!
97. We have two amazing children...Little Miss and Little Man.
98. We have a dog.
99. Hubby got him for me when we were dating.
100. It's really hard to think of 100 things about myself!
     

Awards and Link Love

A couple of weekends ago, I was honored with two, yes TWO blog awards! I'm FINALLY getting around to posting about them and passing along the honors:

Lora at My Blessed Life gave me this:

Here are the rules:
(1) The winner can put the logo on their blog.
(2) Link the person you received your award from.
(3) Nominate 7 other blogs.
(4) Put links of those on yours.
(5) Leave a message on the blogs you’ve nominated.

And Kayren at Everything's Coming Up Daisies passed this along to me:

Rules:

1. Mention the blog that gave it to you.

2. Comment on their blog to let them know you've posted your award.
3. Publish these rules.
4. Share 6 values that are important to you
5. Share 6 things you do not support.
6. Grant the prize to 6 people.

Here are 6 values that are important to me:

1. Honesty

2. Faithfulness/Commitment

3. Integrity

4. Strength of Character

5. Sense of humor

6. Patience

And 6 things I do not support:

1. Obama

2. Abortion

3. The liberal agenda

4. Stupidity

5. Cruelty (in word or action)

6. Arrogance

Since Lora and Kayren both awarded the same blogs I would have, I wasn't sure how to pass them along. That's why it's taken me so long to post this. I've been RACKING MY BRAIN trying to figure out what to do! (My blogging circles are fairly small...but I'm working on it.) So, instead I will simply give you a few blogs that I enjoy visiting (on that rare occasion that I have the luxury to just surf the internet and read!). I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

I Take Joy

Under the Bell Tower

The Menu Mom

Simple Mom

Your Homebased Mom

And FYI...I am nearing my 100th post and working on my list!

Mondays in the Blogosphere

I've discovered there's a lot going on in the blogosphere on Mondays. While I'm doing well to get my brood up, dressed, and fed, some of my fellow bloggers are already getting a jump on things. In case you're new to the world of blogging (I still am), I thought I'd point you toward some bloggers who are "up and rarin' to go on this Monday morning":

Two of my favorite bloggers over at Kickin' It In Crazyville have started a new Friendship Hall of Fame every Monday. Each week they honor a friend of the many nominated by bloggers everywhere. So, if you have a special friend you'd like to nominate, head on over and submit his/her name. I'm sure your friend will greatly appreciate it!

Also, Org Junkie has Menu Plan Monday every week where you'll find lots (and I do mean LOTS) of great menu plans and recipes (my favorite part!). So, if you're menu-planning-challenged (as I am), head on over and glean from the creativity of others! And, if you're interested, here's my Menu Plan Monday:


Monday: Homemade pizzas (with my favorite pizza crust recipe listed below) and salad

Tuesday: Pork roast (in the slow cooker) with seasoned rice and steamed veggies

Wednesday: BBQ Pork sandwiches (made from the leftover pork roast), french fries, fresh corn on the cob

Thursday: Leftover night (any combination of leftovers from the fridge)

Friday: Family Night Out

Saturday: Breakfast for dinner (bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits, and fruit

Amish Pizza Crust

(My mom made this all the time when we were growing up...

she got the recipe from an old amish cookbook years ago).

Combine:

1 cup warm water

1 pkg yeast

When dissolved add:

1 large tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 1/4 cup flour

Beat until smooth and add:

2 cups flour, or enough to make stiff (I substitute up to have with whole wheat flour)

Knead until elastic (about 5 min). Place in greased bowl and let rise until it doubles in size (about 45 min). Form 2 balls, pat and stretch to fill 2 greased pizza pans. Let rise another 10 min. Add pizza sauce and your favorite toppings. Bake @ 450 degrees for 20-25 min until crust is golden.

If you do not need to make 2 pizzas, you can freeze one crust. After I spread it on the pizza pan and let it rise again. I move it to a sheet of cling wrap, place another on top, then roll the crust and place it in the freezer. Let thaw completely, then add toppings and bake.

Do you know any other secrets to freezing pizza dough (or any other kind of dough, for that matter)?

Wow! My First Award!

I was so honored to receive the "Arte y Pico" Award by Lora from My Blessed Life. Lora is the one who inspired me to start blogging. I always enjoy her blog, not just because it's how I keep up with her life and family. But she also gives so many inspirational and creative ideas. Thanks so much, Lora!

_______________________

Here are the guidelines for this award~~

1) Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and contribution to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2) Each award should have the name of the author

and link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner should show the award and put the

name and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.

4) The award winner and one who has given the prize should show the

link of "Arte y Pico"blog so everyone will know the origin to this award.

I've decided to award the "Arte y Pico" to the following bloggers who inspire me. Some are personal friends, some are simply blogs I enjoy reading for their information, advice, and/or inspiration. I hope you enjoy them, too:

I'm an Organizing Junkie

The Howe Family

Under the Bell Tower

Logorrhea

My 5th nominee would be Kickin' It In Crazyville, but since

Lora already awarded them, I'm going to go with I Take Joy.

Amazing Feats of Strength

In the last 8 months of my son's life, he has amazed me with his strength and agility. He seems to be especially adept physically, even at his young age. My mom swears she saw him hold his head up and look around in the hospital nursery only moments after he was born. But what happened this morning simply amazed me (humor me, I'm his mom!)...

I put him in his high chair, clipped the tray on (or so I thought), and walked to the fridge to make his breakfast. I heard a "clatter" and turned around in time to see him kick the tray loose (apparently I didn't get it as secure as I thought). But what followed was simply astonishing. As the tray started to slide off the chair, my little Bam-Bam grabbed hold of the side and hung on--as it dangled from his little fist--until I made the mad dash across the kitchen to retrieve it! I'm thinking of training him to lift heavy furniture for me when I vacuum.

Of course now that I've astonished you all with the wonders of my youngest child, I feel a little weird posting the following article. It's an article that a friend sent me recently on how some parents are rethinking blogging about their children. It is a good article, and definitely something I think all bloggers should consider, so I will post the link below. However, I must admit I don't make $40,000 a month on my blog, so I don't in any way feel that I am "using" my children or selling them out. If I ever do make $40,000/month blogging, then I will rethink the whole thing (so stay tuned as I'm sure that's going to happen any day!). But for now, I really enjoy sharing the adorable moments that make me smile and laugh and say, "Thank you, God, for my children."

Click here to read the article.

Six-Word Memoir

When in Doubt, Eat More Chocolate

I was tagged by Lora at My Blessed Life

Rules:
1 . Write your own six-word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog (and include a visual illustration if you’d like).
3. Link to the person who tagged you in your post.
4. Tag five more blogs with links.
5. Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

I only know 2 other bloggers (who haven't already been tagged), so I am tagging
Shawna at Our Journey (Take Two) and Jenna at No Doi

I Will Be Back, I Promise

Still recovering from The Crud...so not much to post. I apologize for the lack of witty conjecture in the meantime. I will, hopefully, be fully recovered soon and make a stunning comeback...one well worth the wait! (Now the pressure's on!)

Why Chocolate Ink?

I come from a long line of chocolate-lovers. My earliest memories of my mother are linked to her M&M "stash" hidden in the fridge (and the wrath that would ensue if one found and, God forbid, consumed The Stash.) I used to think everyone had a deep, passionate love for chocolate like myself, my sister, my mother, and my grandmother. (Only one of my sisters is a chocolate-lover. My other sister can take it or leave it...we think she's adopted. :))


Then I met my husband. He likes chocolate. He appreciates chocolate. He even enjoys chocolate. But he doesn't have a need for chocolate. I have attended family gatherings with his family where there is not one chocolate dessert. Oh, there are plenty of hearty German pastries, but not one chocolate-filled! This is unheard of in my family where no gathering is complete without a multitude of chocolate. In my family chocolate is a staple of life. No day is complete without it. No celebration is worth having without it.


My husband opened my eyes to the fact that not everyone enjoys (read "depends on") chocolate the way I have been bred to do. I guess you could say it's somewhat of a hobby (that sounds better than "addiction.")...much like my writing. I've also discovered that for me, they are very similar--chocolate and writing. Both are very therapeutic for me. Both can make me feel better when I'm sad or down. I turn to both when I'm excited or wanting to celebrate. I see them both as an expression of who I am. I am a writer. I am a chocolate-lover.


So as I was trying to create a title for my blog--something that would encapsulate me and make those who know me say, "yep, that's her!" and those who don't say, "hmmm...she sounds so interesting!"--that's what I came up with...Chocolate Ink. And doesn't it sound delicious...Chocolate Ink? It just makes me want to write and write and write! (And then eat and eat and eat!)


Maybe as I get deeper into this blogging thing, writing will again become my primary hobby and creative outlet. As I share my thoughts, ideas, struggles, observations, and mindless ramblings, maybe I'll get my "fix" through this, my creative writing outlet, and I won't have to turn so often to my hidden chocolate "stash." (Yes, the sins of the mother...) Oh, who are we kidding...it's wired in my DNA...my name is Nancy and I'm a chocoholic.

Jumping In

Ok, so I'm new to this blogging thing. I didn't really get it for the longest time. I've journaled for years, but it's NOTHING I would want published on the Internet for the world to read! And the blogs I read didn't help much. I really couldn't figure out why these people would take the time to write the stuff they did, or why anyone would want to read it. (I now know that I just wasn't reading the right blogs!)

But I've since been following blogs of some of my friends and found myself thoroughly interested in their posts and their lives. Since writing is not only my career but also my hobby, I figured I should just jump in to the blogosphere with both feet.

So, here I am...bear with me as I fumble my way around for awhile. And hopefully, I'll catch on pretty quickly and actually write something you'll enjoy reading!