California Meets Minnesota True Love

The Rules of Rural Minnesota

2011-01-19T21:13:00.001-08:00

I just got this in an email from a fellow Minnesotan. Enjoy!
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THE RULES OF RURAL MINNESOTA ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.

2. Turn your cap right, your head isn't crooked.

3. Let's get this straight; it's called a 'dirt road.' I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.

4. They are cattle. They're live steaks. That's why they smell funny to you. But they smell like money to Minnesota farmers. Get over it. Don't like it? I-94 goes east and west, pick one.

5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. Grain farmers have $350,000 combines that they drive only 3 weeks a year.

6. So every person in rural Minnesota waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.

7. If that cell phone rings while an 8-point buck and 3 does are coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.

8. Yeah, we eat taters, gravy, beans and cornbread. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at Jim's bait shop...

9. The 'Opener' refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday in November.

10. We open doors for women. That applies to all women, regardless of age.

11. No, there's no 'vegetarian special' on the menu. Order steak. Or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham & turkey.

12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three seasonings - salt, pepper, and ketchup. Oh, yeah....We don't care what you folks in Minneapolis call that stuff you eat...IT AIN'T REAL CHILI!!

13. You bring 'coke' into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice.

14. You bring 'Mary Jane' into my house, she better be homegrown, cute, knows how to shoot, drive a truck, and she better have long hair..

15. College and high school football/basketball are as important here as the Lions and the Pistons .... and more fun to watch.

16. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards -- it spooks the fish.

17. Colleges? We have them all. We have State Universities, Community Colleges, and Voc-techs. Folks come outta there with an education plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at everybody when they come for the holidays.

18.Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump crap ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers. Refer back to #1.

19. Four inches of snow isn't a blizzard - it's a flurry. Drive in it like you got some sense, and DON'T take all our bread, milk, and bleach from the grocery stores. This ain't Alaska. Worst case you may have to live a whole day without croissants. The pickups with snowplows will have you out the next day.

20. By the way.... if you want to talk to God in Minnesota, it's a local call.

Keys To Success, Inch by Inch

2008-10-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

As life goes on sometimes you think there's got to be a better way. We are looking for keys to success in life, success in our marriages and in raising our children. Well this weekend I came across this great key to success I thought I should share with you. Please share with us how this little tidbit changes your life.

Author Unknown

Inch by Inch

When I was a freshman in college I learned an unforgettable lesson.

I was having a rough week when there was a lot to do and very little time to do it. I was overwhelmed. I panicked.

That night a friend stopped by my dorm room. When I told him my problem, he said, “Mac, I'll share something with you that my grandmother told me a few years ago. She said to always remember: ‘Inch by inch, life's a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard.’”

I said, “Bob, come on. Here I am drowning in work and your lifeline is a quote from your grandmother. Come on!”

After he left, however, those twelve little words kept dancing in my head. I took out a piece of notebook paper and listed all the things I had to do in the next three days. That night I began knocking them off one by one.

Three days later I took out that paper and marked through the last thing on the list. It felt great! And then I took out another piece of paper and wrote down the words: “Inch by inch, life's a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard.” I then folded the paper and put it in my wallet. As many of you know, I've been collecting quotes ever since.

You see, success doesn't come cascading like Niagara Falls; it comes one drop at a time through short-term, realistic goals.

Experts on motivation disagree on a lot of things, but one thing they all agree on is that your levels of motivation are directly tied to your expected probabilities of success. In other words, if you believe you can do something (the goals are realistic), you're likely to be highly motivated. If, however, you think you can't (because the goals are unrealistic) your motivation level falls greatly.

The lesson here is to continue to dream big dreams, but realize that the short-term goals that take you to the next plateau are the real keys to success.

Get out your paper and pen.

Start making your list of short-term, realistic goals.

If you're one of those people who struggles to stay on task, keep your list in front of you at all times to remind you what is important and needs to be done.

It's amazing how something so simple can make you successful.

Please share with us what your goals are this week and what you were able to accomplish.

Here's to your success,
Michelle Rothwell, Founder
Dora & Diego Homeschool Spanish

Dora & Diego Homeschool Spanish

and Advisor to Work At Home Parents

Work At Home Parents

Great People Are Not Made - They Are Born!

2008-07-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Great people are not made - They are born!

God makes everything great.

God made you so you were born great!

What is holding you back from your purpose?

Whatever it is stop it! Don’t let it steal your purpose.

Without purpose people shrivel up and die.

You are needed so pursue your purpose now. You will be happy you did.

Here's the next great person!

The Top Ten Reasons Why I Married My Husband

2008-05-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

David Letterman can have his Top Ten List. Jay Leno can have his Top Ten List. But mine tops them all.

Here's my Top Ten List of the reasons why I married my husband, Kurt:

10. Kurt has a deep sexy voice.

9. Kurt makes me laugh all the time. He's a backyard stand up comic.

8. He is stronger than I am personality wise which is what I need to keep me in check.

7. When we first met he had a house, a car, a dog, a cat, two kids and credit. I had none of that and thought I should cash in.

6. His eyes are blue sometimes. They change with what he wears.

5. He can shovel my car out of the snow even in 60 degrees below zero.

4. He fills my love tank to the brim and overflowing.

3. He writes me beautiful poetry and love letters.

2. He has cute buns.

And the number One reason why I married my husband ....

1. He puts the Lord first in his life.

So there you have it. Of course I could write more but then it wouldn't be the Top Ten List.

Have a blessed marriage,
Michelle

The First Kiss Could Last ...

2008-05-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

The first kiss could last a lifetime. According to the Gallup poll, Gordon Gallup that is, women judge men based on their first kiss. Barbara Miller wrote an article called "Women judge men on the first kiss, study finds" for ABC News in which she quoted Gordon Gallup regarding his findings on the first kiss.

One of my favorite quotes comes from the movie "Hitch". Will Smith says, "60% of all human communication is nonverbal, body language; 30% is your tone, so that means 90% of what you're saying ain't coming out of your mouth." (Copied from the Internet Movie Database). In other words he's saying actions speak louder than words.

My experience, as a woman, agrees with the experts. Some guys that you kiss are like you're kissing your brother. Yuck! Some guys you know what they are after when they kiss you. If a guy makes you see fireworks when he kisses you, marry him! Fireworks lasts a lifetime.

Trust me. When I kissed my husband for the first time I saw fireworks.

Guess what?! We've been married, happily, for over 24 years. We are still on our honeymoon.

Let me tell you how it happened. In the guys world this is romantic. Kurt had invited myself and a few other single people from our church over to watch Sunday football. The little party was arranged because Kurt's favorite football team, the Minnesota Vikings, was playing and it was being shown on the t.v. in San Diego. Back in the early 80's there weren't the sports channels we have now so the Vikings on t.v. in San Diego was a big thing.

Yes, Kurt was a planner/schemer. He had given our son Ben a new train set for Christmas and it was set up in the garage. At half time Kurt lured everyone out to the garage to see the train set. Well I had already seen it so I didn't go. Towards the end of half time, Kurt came back out into the living room where I was all by myself.

The second half of the game started. Our friends were still in the garage.

The Vikings had the ball on their own 30 yard line. I don't know how much Kurt had to pay the Vikings to do this, LOL, but Kurt said to me, "If the Vikings get a touch down on the next play I'll give you a kiss." Well I hadn't had my first kiss yet so eagerly I said, "Okay!". Not knowing the Vikings like I do now, I doubted I would get my first kiss.

The next play the quarterback throws a long bomb for a touch down! Whoo! Hoo! Luckily all our friends were still in the garage playing with the train. I got my first kiss right then and there. Ooo! La! La! Fireworks! Kurt was the only guy who ever made me see fireworks. I'm pretty sure that kiss was what put me into the love category for our relationship even though I didn't tell him that for a while. And now after 24 years of marriage I still see fireworks every now and then when we kiss.

The first kiss could last a lifetime if it's the right one, by Mr. Right.

You might have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your Prince Charming, but the fun is in the trying.

Is there anyone else out there who has seen fireworks when you've been kissed?

Did you marry the guy or did you let him slip away?

Have a great day,
Michelle Rothwell

He Loves All Of Me

2008-02-20T05:40:00.000-08:00

He loves me.

He loves me not.

He loves me. He loves all of me.

When Kurt and I first got married we talked about growing into an old pudgy couple. Well now we are middle aged and pudgy. No not pudgy, FAT!

We better do something about it and now or we will be crippled in our old age.

My diet plan is the Isagenix way.

Kurt's diet plan is eating one meal a day.

I know men lose weight faster so Kurt will probably do that at first. I believe mine will come off with positive life changing results that will last.

Isagenix has a detox system along with their diet of two meal replacement shakes a day and one low calorie high protein lunch. Yes, there are snacks throughout the day.

The beginning of this diet is today. I just had my first chocolate shake made with organic ingredients. These shakes are easy for me to use because they have 23 grams of protein. I have a carbohydrate sensitivity so I can't do other plans like Slim Fast or low fat high carb diets.

Frozen organic strawberries were added to this mornings' chocolate shake. Yum! Chocolate and strawberries. This is one of my favorite combinations. But my shake had a little kick to it. When I took my blender out of the cupboard and opened the lid I could smell jalapeños. There was a little residue left over from the last time I made salsa. Oh! Well! I'm sure no one else has their shakes like mine. LOL!

My goal is to also do at least a 30 minute brisk walk either on the treadmill or the walking track at work. You would think I could manage that since I work at the local community center and it's set up as a work out spa.

I will add more info to this posting later on today to let you know my progress. If any of you want to go on this journey with me, misery loves company you know, send me an e-mail at Michelle@dorahomeschoolspanish.com and I can help you set up your account with Isagenix.

Have a slimming day!

Michelle Rothwell, Founder
Dora & Diego Homeschool Spanish
and
Isagenix Independent Distributor

The Perfect Marriage - You Can Have One Too

2008-02-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

Perfection - The state of being without a flaw or defect. Paragon:An ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept. The act of making something perfect.

Wikipedia says Perfection is, broadly, a state of completeness and flawlessness.

Remember the movie Jerry Maguire done in 1996? The scene at the end of the movie where Jerry comes back to the love of his life and he says "You complete me." Jerry was actually saying in a very romantic way, to Dorothy Boyd, you are perfect for me.

Can perfection in marriage be reached or is it some high lofty goal that borders on fantasy?

According to my husband, and I agree with him whole heartedly, perfection in marriage is possible. (I always agree with Kurt, NOT!) The best way to have a perfect marriage is FORGIVENESS.

The more you forgive your partner the more perfect your marriage. You see if you forgive them for everything they do, when they do it, they are perfect. Therefore you can have a perfect marriage because your spouse is perfect.

I know this idea seems too easy but try it. I guarantee you will see a difference in your marriage as well as in yourself.

Looking at the other person through "rose colored" glasses will have you looking at perfection. Just like in the story Snow White. When the Queen kept looking into the magical mirror and asked who was the fairest of them all the response was in her favor. When you forgive your spouse they will then become the "fairest" of them all.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying the men are the only ones that have to do this for their wives. Women you need to adopt the same attitude towards your men. Let's keep things in balance, shall we?

Forgiving your spouse for their wrongs takes the pressure off of everyone working so hard at being perfect. They are then perfect without even trying.

I've heard that when you first marry a person you don't see the real person. Even if you live with them before marriage, which I never recommend, you don't see the real person. If you want to see the real person you're married to, wait seven years and it will all come out. It meaning the real person.

One other point I'd like to make is don't become a door mat in your relationship. Marriage is a partnership and should be 50/50. There always seems to be one person that does most of the forgiving. Don't let that happen. Communicate what you are seeing that is off kilter. Sometimes the other person doesn't realize they aren't a part of the forgiving side. Bring it to their attention but don't attack them with the information. Sit them down and discuss it rationally. Most people want a happy fulfilling marriage. It takes work. Talking to each other about the things that bother us can help to relieve the stress of trying to live with each other. Communication will be a subject for another day.

As far as being a door mat, if you have a cheating spouse, and they do it more than once, GET RID OF THEM FAST! A leopard never changes his/her spots except in Dr. Seuss's books. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I'm a firm believer once a cheater always a cheater. They actually need professional help because it is a psychological disorder or a family curse.

FORGIVENESS is what it's all about. Forgiveness brings honor and respect to your spouse. These are good things.

Have a perfect marriage,
Michelle Rothwell, Founder
Dora & Diego Homeschool Spanish
and
Isagenix Independent Distributor

Seal Shock at The Seashore (A True Story)

2008-01-31T17:39:00.000-08:00

Special Forces men are really tough guys. My husband, Kurt, (the cutie pictured to the left) was no exception. In order to be a tough guy you have to go through B.U.D.S. training. Once you make it through that you can leap tall buildings in one step, run faster than a speeding bullet and dive to depths that even Jacques Cousteau wouldn't go.

Kurt has a lot of stories to tell from his training days. One he tells over and over again which makes me laugh to this day is a swimming story. Everyone that trains to be a Navy Seal or in Kurt's case part of the UDT, you are required to swim more than the fish do. Each person has a partner to swim with and swims at night, during the day plus during storms. Doesn't sound like much fun does it?

One day when the group was out doing one of their mandatory five mile swims Kurt and his partner were swimming along and talking like they normally do. At one point Kurt's back was to his partner when he heard his swimming buddy say something that was hard to understand and it sounded like he was taking on water. So being the brave soul that he is, Kurt turned to look at his friend. All of a sudden he was nose to nose with the ugliest male sea lion he had ever seen. At that same moment when the sea lion saw him he let out a big huge seal bark. Kurt was so shocked he let out a large yell! Tough guy huh!?

Needless to say Kurt did have to rescue his partner because he was laughing so hard he started to drown. His swimming buddy knew what was going to happen since he saw the seal pop up next to Kurt in the water.

The one thing Kurt thought at the time, "He was very glad it wasn't mating season".

When Kurt tells the story he describes the sea lion as being so ugly it would scare anyone. The sea lion had scars on his face from being in fights, broken teeth, bad breath, and was very rude yelling at him like he did.

The moral of this story is watch where you swim and make sure of the seasons. Tough guys aren't tough all the time. They have their weaknesses.

Michelle Rothwell, Founder

Dora & Diego Homeschool Spanish

and

Independent Isagenix Distributor

I'm firing my boss in June 2009, ask me how.

The Mustard Story

2008-01-30T17:14:00.000-08:00

I Love Mustard. (This is a true story. If you have children you will probably relate to this father.)

As ham sandwiches go, it was perfection: a thick slab of ham on a fresh bun with crisp lettuce and plenty of expensive, light brown, Gourmet Mustard.

The corners of my jaw aching in anticipation, I carried it to the table in our backyard, picked it up with both hands, but was stopped by my wife suddenly at my side.

'Here, hold Johnny (our six-week-old son) while I get my sandwich,' she said.

I had him balanced between my left elbow and shoulder and was reaching again for the ham sandwich when I noticed a streak of mustard on my fingers.

I love mustard.

I had no napkin.

I licked it off.

It was not mustard.

No man ever put a baby down faster.
It was the first and only time I have sprinted with my tongue protruding out.

With a washcloth in each hand, I did the sort of routine shoeshine boys do, only I did it on my tongue.

Later, after she stopped crying from laughing so hard, my wife Said, 'Now you know why they call that fancy mustard 'Poupon.''

When you stop laughing, pass it on.

Adoption Success Story

2008-01-23T11:01:00.000-08:00

It breaks my heart every time I hear about another baby that doesn’t get the opportunity to be and do what God intended. Every conception whether it was intentional or not is done by God. He knows the great things each person can achieve as well as be here on earth.

Adoption is the only other alternative in my point of view. Here’s the reason why.

When I was 18 the first important decision I made as an adult was to get pregnant. Yes, that had been my dream ever since I was 5 years old, to be a Mom and a wife. Unfortunately I didn’t do it in the right order. I had gotten involved with a guy I shouldn’t have. Never the less, my emotions got in the way, plus other factors, and I became pregnant.

The day I was supposed to marry the guy I went to Colorado to get away from the situation so I could think straight. Right away I sought counseling through Lutheran Social Services. The counselor was great at showing me all the possibilities including abortion. Nope. I was sure that wasn’t the way to go.

Early on my decision was adoption. I loved my child with all my heart and I wanted the best for her. Through Lutheran Social Services I was able to help pick the family I thought would be best for raising my daughter. I know it’s a scary thing but with lots of prayer I knew I had made the right choice.

Guess what!? I was right. The reason I know it is because two weeks ago I found my daughter. Everything I had prayed for came true for her. Her parents are awesome. She has accomplished the things I had dreamed of for her. The Lord has blessed both of us in ways I will probably never know.

If anyone out there has found themselves pregnant, scared and confused, get help now. Don’t wait another day. Use an agency that is reputable like Lutheran Social Services, Holt International, etc. Their number one concern is always for the child, then the parents, then the adoptive parents. You can’t go wrong with people who have been through it all. Any crisis pregnancy center can help too like Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center in Brainerd, MN.

God wants your child to grow up and that is why you are pregnant. Even if the child can’t grow up with you as the parent they can have an awesome family that will love them the way you do. Raise them the way you would want.

I know it’s a huge sacrifice but you can do it. I did and look how awesome things turned out. I’m elated that my daughter has had such a fantastic opportunity and is well adjusted. Your child can be that way too.

Michelle Rothwell, Founder

Dora & Diego Homeschool Spanish
And
Isagenix Independent Distributor

The First Year is the Hardest

2007-12-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

All marriage counselors, psychiatrists, psychotherapists and pastors say the first year of marriage is the toughest. I set out to prove them wrong. Alas, they were right.

When I married the man of my dreams he came as the full meal deal. He had a house, two kids, two cars, a motorcycle, a dog and a cat. Boy! Was I close to heaven! The kids weren't the problem even though you might think so. I was in love with them as much as I was in love with their father. My step kids could do no wrong in my eyes.

The hardest part of the first year was trying to find my place in this instant family. Was I another Mom to the kids? Did my opinion count with the kids and how my marriage would go?

In this process I learned you have to pick your battles. What is important and what is not?

When step kids are young they don't know about drawing a line between houses. In their eyes their bedroom at Mom's house is the same as their bedroom at Dad's house. So some of what used to be at their Mom's house migrated over to ours and some of ours moved the other direction. This is okay. Kids feel more secure in both places and like they belong. Don't stress over this kind of behavior. It's okay to let it happen.

My problem was I never got jealous over a boyfriend meeting a new girl. I got jealous if they never let the old girls out of their lives. With this issue in my life having the ex-wife around was definitely a challenge. As the years have gone by I've been able to change myself and can talk to the ex without any problems. I've learned to accept the fact that she is here to stay and my husband wants absolutely nothing to do with her.

During the first year I didn't think I was going to make it. In fact one time there was such a big blow up I left and went for a looong drive. I drove all around the South Bay area of California. I drove from Paradise Hills to Imperial Beach. Up the Silver Strand through Coronado. Across the Coronado bridge through downtown San Diego. Finally I got on Highway 92 East to 805 south then back to Paradise Valley Road and home.

While on the one hour long drive I spoke with God. We talked a lot. I talked. He answered. And the conclusion was this was the man the Lord had picked out for me since before I was born. The Lord said He would instruct me and teach me in the way I would go. He would guide me with His eyes if I would let Him. I chose to let the Lord lead me and now 24 years later we are still on our honeymoon. Hubba! Hubba!

Hind sight is always 20/20. There are things I would have changed over the years but it wouldn't have been finding another man. They say no one human being can satisfy another person more than 80%. Only God can satisfy 100%. Don't you think it is foolish to go looking for the other 20%? You do the math. 80 is way better than 20. In fact it's 4 times better.

Stick it out people! After you make it through that first year anything can happen. You will be so blessed for doing it. If you need help or prayer as you go through, talk to someone who has been there. Leave me a message on this blog and I will help you out. Or at least I can pray with you and for you.

God bless you,
Michelle Rothwell, Founder
Dora & Diego Homeschoolspanish
and
Isagenix Independent Distributor

The Church Parking Lot

2007-11-14T18:07:00.001-08:00

Going way back in time, I mean almost dinosaur time, Kurt and I met in our church parking lot. This was back in December 1981.

You've got to remember America went from the Disco Age to the Punk Rock/New Wave Age. Picture a three piece, navy blue, pin stripped suit on a guy that still had his seventies side burns and wavy slicked back hair. Okay, so that wasn't what intrigued me.

At the time our church had two services back to back. I went to the early service and on the way out I discovered I had locked my keys in my truck. A 1972 Chevy Luv truck. Nothing to brag about but it got me around.

My friends and I tried to unlock the truck with a coat hanger. You know like they show you on t.v.?

Well Kurt comes up, sees what we are doing. He says, "Mind if I give it a try? This used to be one of my professions."

"Sure", I said, thinking this guy looks like he came from The Godfather movie.

I handed him the coat hanger and voila! Two seconds later I was able to get into my truck. (How'd he do that?) Kurt hands me the coat hanger and away he goes into church for second service.

Who was that unknown Knight in Shining Armour? Luckily my friends knew him and introduced us later that night at church.

As one would say, and now for the rest of the story.

Ever since that fateful day, Kurt has been coming to my rescue. If anyone dares to tell me chivalry is dead, I will quickly correct them.

God bless you,
Michelle Rothwell, Founder
Dora & Diego Homeschoolspanish
and
Isagenix Independent Distributor

Bailey is Here!

2007-11-03T21:15:00.001-07:00

Our Granddaughter finally made her appearance on Friday, November 2, 2007. She was born naturally, Praise the Lord no petosin, at 5:15 am PST.

Bailey Marie McCowan weighed in at 7 lbs 6 oz with tons of dark brown hair; her brother is blond.

Our oldest daughter, Brianna, is the happy Momma. The one thing she kept saying was how easy this birth was compared to the last one.

Oh! And yes Bailey's Daddy was present too. I guess he helped. LOL. When I talked to Brian on the phone yesterday I told him to have Brianna call me with all the details. He then proceeded to tell me they pulled into the hospital parking lot at approximately 12:01 am. They parked in the first stall up by the door. Brianna got out on the passengers side by opening the door.... Of course I didn't mean those details. Brian is the perfect Son in Law because his sense of humor is just as warped as the rest of us.

From the looks of the first pictures the whole family is doing well. Hopefully they can go home today so Bryce won't be so lonely without his Momma.