I said:
"Bye, Babe. Have a good day at work. Love you!"
"Charlie, don't eat the Target ad!"
"Huh. I guess carrots look the same going in and coming out."
"Really? Three extra pictures sheets for FREE? Thank you!"
"I'll have a chicken bacon ranch on whole wheat bread."
"I shop at JoAnn Fabric for their scrapbooking stuff." (A lady from a local newspaper interviewed me as I was entering the store.)
And plenty of other stuff. It's interesting, though, as I never thought I'd say the second one. Obviously it was my fault for putting it within Charlie's reach. My BFF and I have talked about the things you never thought you'd say until the situation arises and they come out of your mouth. Not in a bad, negative, way, just the things that need to be said to babies and kids! My favorite of hers: "Don't eat the carpet!" :)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Incompetance at Walmart
I just had my most frustrating moment at Walmart to date. Julie and I had just finished our shopping and were near an open register by the garden stuff, so we decided to check out there. Mistake! There was an elderly lady working the register, and when she began checking our stuff you could tell she was new. Julie had picked up some baseball pants for our nephew in the clearance section that were $5, however they rang up as $9 which caused a huge dilemma for this women. Julie stated they were $5 and the checker gave a puzzled look, then she said, "but they rang up as $9." Who cares what they rang up as, the sticker in aisle said $5! So Julie went back to retrieve the sticker that said they were $5; in the mean time, a slightly more competent individual came by and the checker lady explained the situation. He said just ring them up as $5. First problem solved. Julie came back with sticker that said they were $5, but she was too late.
Next problem. We wanted a gift receipt for the baseball pants. Mistake! First, we asked her if we could get a gift receipt, and she yes . . . but than just looked at us. So we said, "well can we get one." She then reached for a gift card. Maybe she didn't know what a gift receipt was, I don't know. After some explaining we finally got on the same page and she figured out what we were asking. The next step was a little harder. Apparently one must be a genius to retrieve a gift receipt. The checker and slightly more competent person made several attempts and failures to retrieve a gift receipt for the baseball pants. Next, the assistant manager came over and attempted and we thought all our problems would be solved, but after several failed attempts by her we finally said forget it and moved on. Problem not solved.
Next problem. We'd received a rebate card, which acts as a debit card, in the mail for the new cellphones we just purchased. Anyway, we should be able to use this like a cash and since Walmart is the largest retailer in America (or world), we thought this would be an easy place to use it. Mistake! The checker could not figure out how to ring up a debit card. She kept ringing it up as a credit card, but of course that wouldn't work because it's not linked to a credit account. After six failed attempts at using this card, I finally said forget it, and used my credit card. Problem not solved.
Final problem. You know when you sign for a credit card electronically, you just make a squiggly line on the screen. Well, this again caused a severe mental cramp for this woman. I signed in this manner, as I always do, and she asked to see my credit card. So I gave it to her; well, I hadn't signed the back of the card, so she asked to see my driver's license. I handed it over without complaint. She looked at my driver's license, and at my signature on the receipt and said, "Why did you sign it like this, it's just a squiggly line?" At this point in my head I was screaming, Are you kidding me?! You already wasted 20 minutes of my life for something that should have taken 3! What does it matter how I sign for my stuff! She then proceeded to call over the slightly more competent person and showed him that the two signatures didn't match. Again what does it matter, the name on the credit card matches my driver licence. The slightly more competent person said, "I sign my stuff like that all the time." She then handed my receipt and I walked away exasperated.
Why do I continue to shop at Walmart with experiences like this? If this were some mom and pop store I would probably never go back. Well, to be honest, because their stuff is cheap, so I'm probably asking for it. But still. Come on Walmart employees.
Next problem. We wanted a gift receipt for the baseball pants. Mistake! First, we asked her if we could get a gift receipt, and she yes . . . but than just looked at us. So we said, "well can we get one." She then reached for a gift card. Maybe she didn't know what a gift receipt was, I don't know. After some explaining we finally got on the same page and she figured out what we were asking. The next step was a little harder. Apparently one must be a genius to retrieve a gift receipt. The checker and slightly more competent person made several attempts and failures to retrieve a gift receipt for the baseball pants. Next, the assistant manager came over and attempted and we thought all our problems would be solved, but after several failed attempts by her we finally said forget it and moved on. Problem not solved.
Next problem. We'd received a rebate card, which acts as a debit card, in the mail for the new cellphones we just purchased. Anyway, we should be able to use this like a cash and since Walmart is the largest retailer in America (or world), we thought this would be an easy place to use it. Mistake! The checker could not figure out how to ring up a debit card. She kept ringing it up as a credit card, but of course that wouldn't work because it's not linked to a credit account. After six failed attempts at using this card, I finally said forget it, and used my credit card. Problem not solved.
Final problem. You know when you sign for a credit card electronically, you just make a squiggly line on the screen. Well, this again caused a severe mental cramp for this woman. I signed in this manner, as I always do, and she asked to see my credit card. So I gave it to her; well, I hadn't signed the back of the card, so she asked to see my driver's license. I handed it over without complaint. She looked at my driver's license, and at my signature on the receipt and said, "Why did you sign it like this, it's just a squiggly line?" At this point in my head I was screaming, Are you kidding me?! You already wasted 20 minutes of my life for something that should have taken 3! What does it matter how I sign for my stuff! She then proceeded to call over the slightly more competent person and showed him that the two signatures didn't match. Again what does it matter, the name on the credit card matches my driver licence. The slightly more competent person said, "I sign my stuff like that all the time." She then handed my receipt and I walked away exasperated.
Why do I continue to shop at Walmart with experiences like this? If this were some mom and pop store I would probably never go back. Well, to be honest, because their stuff is cheap, so I'm probably asking for it. But still. Come on Walmart employees.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
The One about ME. Julie.
See what I made? Poppyseed bread! And unlike my failed attempts at zucchini bread, these two beauties actually ROSE. On top is a little sprinkle of coconut because, let's face it; everything is better with coconut. Regarding that zucchini bread, I think I'm going to have to make a phone call to my friends, Dr. and Mrs. Zucchini Master themselves (D & T!). Seriously, those two crank out the zucchini bread like the experts that they are.
Anyway, I've been trying to cook some new recipes lately and wanted to share a little of what I've been making - or trying to. :)
-chicken tandoori
-curried rice pilaf
-frittata with peppers, onion, mushrooms, and leftover chicken
-sesame brown rice salad with shredded chicken and peanuts
-spicy chicken with poblano peppers and cheese
-zucchini bread (emphasis on the "trying" on this one)
-homemade whole wheat pizza crust
-buffalo/bbq chicken pizza
-peanut butter french toast "waffles" with mixed berry sauce
-bowtie pasta with corn, bacon and ricotta cheese
-homemade almond coffee syrup
-Mom's Marvelous Marinade
-blueberry sour cream muffins
-buttermilk pancakes (why have I not done that one YEARS ago??)
Some of the recipes turn out better than others, but only one recipe has totally surprised me. The one with poblano peppers! Wow, those things are spicy! My eyes were watering and I was coughing and sputtering just slicing them and getting them ready for the broiler. Yikes. Later, like a half hour later, I touched my eye and it BURNED. And that was after I washed my hands at least 3 times with soap. But, as it turns out, the broiling really makes the flavor more mild, and the recipe was a hit! I would definitely make that one again - and I'm going to be wiser next time and wear rubber gloves when prepping the poblanos.
The peanut butter french toast waffles made my waffle maker into a huge mess. After making them, I looked back at the waffle maker and told Matt, "Let's just throw it out!" Seriously, I spent probably 45 minutes trying to clean that sucker. Note to self: don't use waffle maker next time. It would have turned out just as yummy if I had grilled them like french toast. I'm writing all of these things down, so in the future, I'll save myself some headache.
I think I'm going to make guacamole for supper tonight, and as much as I'm sure we would love to just eat the guac, I'll probably make some kind of pizza to go with it. I think Fridays are going to be pizza day in our house. Also, once the temps start to fall, Sundays will probably be stew/soup day. I love a good stew/soup.
My list of things to try is long (bruschetta, cuban sandwiches, something with lamb...), but I have an eager audience and a little guy who happily bounces in his "jungle hopper" while I cook. I'd like to try making baby food, too, but I scored a bunch on a super great clearance sale. In that instance, I'm confident that it would have cost me more to make my own baby food. I'm sure I'll get to it eventually.
I'm pretty excited about my success thusfar and it definitely keeps things interesting around here. My spice rack has never been more full! I'm trying to keep things healthy with lots of fruits and veggies, staying away from the millions of baked goods that jump out of magazines and cookbooks. The one exception: FUNNEL CAKE. Remember my state fair post? Well, I found a recipe to re-create the yumminess.
Which leads me to my next confession: I'm in an exercise rut. I just cannot do it. I'm not sure what it is, but I just can't bring myself to exercise - other than walks. And boy, could I use it. Charlie is 6 months old now and I still look 6 months pregnant. Which I'm not. I'm stuck in my comfy clothes (Why dress up when I'm just staying at home? Jeans? Nah. Sweats? YES.) and feel more frumpy because of it. What makes matters worse is the fact that Matt has been doing so awesome at faithfully getting up at 5:30 every morning to work out. Sometimes I'm jealous that he's fit and healthy. Sometimes I secretly want to sabotage his success (by baking yummy things!!). See? The truth comes out. But behind it all, I just want that for myself. The bad part is that I can have that for myself if I JUST DO IT ALREADY. Get off my extra-large rump and move. I need help.
Ok, more confessions later. I have food to prepare. :)
Anyway, I've been trying to cook some new recipes lately and wanted to share a little of what I've been making - or trying to. :)-chicken tandoori
-curried rice pilaf
-frittata with peppers, onion, mushrooms, and leftover chicken
-sesame brown rice salad with shredded chicken and peanuts
-spicy chicken with poblano peppers and cheese
-zucchini bread (emphasis on the "trying" on this one)
-homemade whole wheat pizza crust
-buffalo/bbq chicken pizza
-peanut butter french toast "waffles" with mixed berry sauce
-bowtie pasta with corn, bacon and ricotta cheese
-homemade almond coffee syrup
-Mom's Marvelous Marinade
-blueberry sour cream muffins
-buttermilk pancakes (why have I not done that one YEARS ago??)
Some of the recipes turn out better than others, but only one recipe has totally surprised me. The one with poblano peppers! Wow, those things are spicy! My eyes were watering and I was coughing and sputtering just slicing them and getting them ready for the broiler. Yikes. Later, like a half hour later, I touched my eye and it BURNED. And that was after I washed my hands at least 3 times with soap. But, as it turns out, the broiling really makes the flavor more mild, and the recipe was a hit! I would definitely make that one again - and I'm going to be wiser next time and wear rubber gloves when prepping the poblanos.
The peanut butter french toast waffles made my waffle maker into a huge mess. After making them, I looked back at the waffle maker and told Matt, "Let's just throw it out!" Seriously, I spent probably 45 minutes trying to clean that sucker. Note to self: don't use waffle maker next time. It would have turned out just as yummy if I had grilled them like french toast. I'm writing all of these things down, so in the future, I'll save myself some headache.
I think I'm going to make guacamole for supper tonight, and as much as I'm sure we would love to just eat the guac, I'll probably make some kind of pizza to go with it. I think Fridays are going to be pizza day in our house. Also, once the temps start to fall, Sundays will probably be stew/soup day. I love a good stew/soup.
My list of things to try is long (bruschetta, cuban sandwiches, something with lamb...), but I have an eager audience and a little guy who happily bounces in his "jungle hopper" while I cook. I'd like to try making baby food, too, but I scored a bunch on a super great clearance sale. In that instance, I'm confident that it would have cost me more to make my own baby food. I'm sure I'll get to it eventually.
I'm pretty excited about my success thusfar and it definitely keeps things interesting around here. My spice rack has never been more full! I'm trying to keep things healthy with lots of fruits and veggies, staying away from the millions of baked goods that jump out of magazines and cookbooks. The one exception: FUNNEL CAKE. Remember my state fair post? Well, I found a recipe to re-create the yumminess.
Which leads me to my next confession: I'm in an exercise rut. I just cannot do it. I'm not sure what it is, but I just can't bring myself to exercise - other than walks. And boy, could I use it. Charlie is 6 months old now and I still look 6 months pregnant. Which I'm not. I'm stuck in my comfy clothes (Why dress up when I'm just staying at home? Jeans? Nah. Sweats? YES.) and feel more frumpy because of it. What makes matters worse is the fact that Matt has been doing so awesome at faithfully getting up at 5:30 every morning to work out. Sometimes I'm jealous that he's fit and healthy. Sometimes I secretly want to sabotage his success (by baking yummy things!!). See? The truth comes out. But behind it all, I just want that for myself. The bad part is that I can have that for myself if I JUST DO IT ALREADY. Get off my extra-large rump and move. I need help.
Ok, more confessions later. I have food to prepare. :)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
SnuggleBug
Two nights ago, Charlie started "traveling" while sleeping. I put him down in the middle of his crib and later found him with his head way up in the corner! He LOVES soft blankets up by his face when sleeping, so I guess the super soft bumper pad worked the same as his blankets!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Grill Master 2000
We upgraded from the little tabletop grill. It was time! Matt's grilled up some tasty meals already, and we have a great covered patio that will allow to keep using the grill all through the winter. On tonight's menu was grilled chicken (with a delicious marinade, compliments of Mom) and corn on the cob. Matt's done corn on the grill two times now and it seems to work out well. As long as the grill's on anyway, why not throw it on? Yum, yum.
Monday, September 13, 2010
New Jeep!!
Ok, new to US. It's a used car that I managed to get off the sales lot for only $5. (Decoded: I bought it at a garage sale. :) Charlie's cousin Kemper has the same one! It would be fun if they could get together and play bumper cars, but I don't think I'll be bringing the Jeep along in my suitcase next month. Anyway, I washed it right up and it's ready to go! I absolutely did not want to spend more than $5 on a walker, so it worked out great that I was able to find one at a garage sale. Also last weekend, I purchased an umbrella stroller, that looked like it had hardly been used, for only $4. I also scored a few more toys for Charlie at $.25 a piece. Boy, I just love garage sale deals!!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Katie's Visit
My sister Katie came to Canon City, Colorado to visit us at the end of July. She intended to come out just to see us, but we had to show her a true Colorado experience. The four of us woke up early her first full day here to do a day hike to Lake in the Clouds in the Sangres de Cristo Wilderness Area. Here you can see the Sangres in the background in a quick pic with Charlie and Katie.
I know my eyes are shut in this picture, but it was such a cute picture of Charlie I had to put it in. He likes to go out on day hikes with us. I think he likes to see everything go by as we are walking along, especially the leaves in the wind.
Katie and I at the the lake after 3.5 miles walking and 2,000 feet in elevation gain.
I brought my fishing rod with because when ever we hike to a lake I like to bring it with and throw out a few casts. I actually caught one of my biggest trout on this trip pictured below. I know it doesn't look that big, but for me in these alpine lakes, this is pretty good.
Katie tried a few casts as well, although she didn't catch one she had a couple of hits and a couple follows. Unfortunately, we could hear a thunderstorm approaching and had to hurry down the mountain. We didn't quite make and ended up getting soaked. Although we had rain gear with, it's kind of lost its effectiveness so Christmas idea, Matt could use a new rain coat.
I know my eyes are shut in this picture, but it was such a cute picture of Charlie I had to put it in. He likes to go out on day hikes with us. I think he likes to see everything go by as we are walking along, especially the leaves in the wind.
Katie and I at the the lake after 3.5 miles walking and 2,000 feet in elevation gain.
I brought my fishing rod with because when ever we hike to a lake I like to bring it with and throw out a few casts. I actually caught one of my biggest trout on this trip pictured below. I know it doesn't look that big, but for me in these alpine lakes, this is pretty good.
Katie tried a few casts as well, although she didn't catch one she had a couple of hits and a couple follows. Unfortunately, we could hear a thunderstorm approaching and had to hurry down the mountain. We didn't quite make and ended up getting soaked. Although we had rain gear with, it's kind of lost its effectiveness so Christmas idea, Matt could use a new rain coat.Another good story. Julie and Charlie didn't quite make it to the lake so they headed down before Katie and I. We ended up catching up with them 10 minutes before we reached the car. When we reached them, Julie said she had just seen a bear about 30 yards from them. Definitely gave Jules a little adrenaline rush. I guess the bear didn't really pay any attention to them and sauntered off, but Julie was still a little unnerved.
The next day we took a short trip to my cube at the BLM office, so for those of you that will never see it in person, here it is.
Katie and I then decided to white water raft the mighty Arkansas River . . . on our floaties.
People do actually white water raft this thing just above were Katie and I put in. It was the monsoon season so it had rained a bit and the water was running high and fast. It made it a lot of fun, with a little added danger.
We were only tossed from our floaties a couple of times, Katie got sucked down behind a rock, and were banged on the rocks a little bit, but it was a lot of fun.
Her last full day here we decided to climb one of the Colorado fourteeners, Mount Yale (14,100 feet) in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area.
The day started out nice, but we had some rain showers move in before we reached the summit. Every once in a while the clouds would part a bit so we could see some distance away, but for the most part it was socked in. I think it was a lot of work for Katie, but worth it in the end. Here's a picture of us at the top.
The hike down was a bit easier than the climb up . . .
but Katie was still a bit tired.
It's always fun when family comes to visit, and we try to show them a good time. Hope you had a fun time Katie, Love you. Matt.
The next day we took a short trip to my cube at the BLM office, so for those of you that will never see it in person, here it is.
Katie and I then decided to white water raft the mighty Arkansas River . . . on our floaties.
People do actually white water raft this thing just above were Katie and I put in. It was the monsoon season so it had rained a bit and the water was running high and fast. It made it a lot of fun, with a little added danger.
We were only tossed from our floaties a couple of times, Katie got sucked down behind a rock, and were banged on the rocks a little bit, but it was a lot of fun.
Her last full day here we decided to climb one of the Colorado fourteeners, Mount Yale (14,100 feet) in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area.
The day started out nice, but we had some rain showers move in before we reached the summit. Every once in a while the clouds would part a bit so we could see some distance away, but for the most part it was socked in. I think it was a lot of work for Katie, but worth it in the end. Here's a picture of us at the top.
The hike down was a bit easier than the climb up . . .
but Katie was still a bit tired.
It's always fun when family comes to visit, and we try to show them a good time. Hope you had a fun time Katie, Love you. Matt.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Squash
Enough said.
Ok, I'll say a little more. Matt was in charge of taking pictures, which explains why Charlie's head is cut off in some. Matt COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING. I'm not sure who was more entertaining; Charlie attempting to eat squash, or his silly daddy, who could not get ahold of himself!! :) Charlie actually did really well with the squash and didn't ever refuse to open up and eat it. Sometimes it came back out, but I got half a jar in the little guy before we were finished. He had some rice cereal after the squash, much to his relief. A familiar taste!
Oh, and Charlie's nostrils stayed flared the whole time. I don't know what it is about flared nostrils that is so funny, but they crack me up every time.
The pictures are in reverse order, so scroll down to see the start of our food adventure!
Ok, I'll say a little more. Matt was in charge of taking pictures, which explains why Charlie's head is cut off in some. Matt COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING. I'm not sure who was more entertaining; Charlie attempting to eat squash, or his silly daddy, who could not get ahold of himself!! :) Charlie actually did really well with the squash and didn't ever refuse to open up and eat it. Sometimes it came back out, but I got half a jar in the little guy before we were finished. He had some rice cereal after the squash, much to his relief. A familiar taste!
Oh, and Charlie's nostrils stayed flared the whole time. I don't know what it is about flared nostrils that is so funny, but they crack me up every time.
The pictures are in reverse order, so scroll down to see the start of our food adventure!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Colorado State Fair
I've officially been to a state fair! I'm not sure if the DuQuoin (IL) State Fair really counts, since I think it's the "state" fair for the southern half of IL. Anyway, now there's no disputing - I've been to a state fair! It was a hot, sunny day to be outside, and even though it's not recommended, I went ahead and slathered Charlie with SPF 55. Yes, he was only 5 1/2 months, but I figured that the sunscreen would be way less harmful than a sunburn. It was a fun day! Of course, we ate food on a stick - chicken on a stick with vegetable fried rice. Matt and I split a plate so we could save some room for a treat later. Our treat? FUNNELCAKE. We downed it pretty quickly! I think we were subconsciously trying to eat fast so that we could get more than the other person. (Or was that just me?!?)
Just as we were getting to the fairgrounds, which are in Pueblo, Matt said to Charlie, "Do you want to see the moo-moo's and baa-baa's?" I nearly fell out of the car laughing!!! Still brings a chuckle to my lips. Matt busts out some pretty funny stuff. LOVE that guy.
Is this not the cutest little colt you've ever seen?? (I'm talking about the actual horse. "Little colt" is not a nickname for Charlie. Though he's the cutest little boy I've ever seen!)
Proof - our chicken on a stick!
It's pretty hilarious when Charlie kicks his feet up on the little tray of his stroller. What a little prince.
Yep, we walked through the 4-H barns. Some of those swines were running loose, which made me a bit nervous. Holy pig, batman. Those things are huge. My least favorite barn was the birds (ducks, chickens, pigeons, etc). Something about it grossed me out. Especially the pigeons. I really don't know anything about state fair animals and how that all works, but it was still fun to check them out. (Did I hear you ask if our stroller got poop on it? Well, yes. It did. Thank you for asking.)
My boys. :)
Just as we were getting to the fairgrounds, which are in Pueblo, Matt said to Charlie, "Do you want to see the moo-moo's and baa-baa's?" I nearly fell out of the car laughing!!! Still brings a chuckle to my lips. Matt busts out some pretty funny stuff. LOVE that guy.
Is this not the cutest little colt you've ever seen?? (I'm talking about the actual horse. "Little colt" is not a nickname for Charlie. Though he's the cutest little boy I've ever seen!)
Proof - our chicken on a stick!
It's pretty hilarious when Charlie kicks his feet up on the little tray of his stroller. What a little prince.
Yep, we walked through the 4-H barns. Some of those swines were running loose, which made me a bit nervous. Holy pig, batman. Those things are huge. My least favorite barn was the birds (ducks, chickens, pigeons, etc). Something about it grossed me out. Especially the pigeons. I really don't know anything about state fair animals and how that all works, but it was still fun to check them out. (Did I hear you ask if our stroller got poop on it? Well, yes. It did. Thank you for asking.)
My boys. :)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Say what...?!
I'm still not quite sure how this happened, but the other day, I had the most interesting encounter with a homeless man. In an effort to help a homeless man, whom I had seen frequently around Canon City, I purchased a Subway gift card at Walmart to give to him. I thought about other gift card options, but I settled on Subway thinking that he could get healthy, inexpensive, hot meals (therefore extending the life of this gift card). Well, when I walked over to the man to give him the gift card, he looked at me and said, "I won't eat at Subway."
I stood there, dumbfounded. It never entered my mind that this guy would refuse my offer. Is that big of me, or what?! I swallowed, looked around, gave him the most bewildered expression, and then muttered, "Well, do you know someone you could give this to?" He shook his head, no. His reason for not eating at Subway was that he doesn't agree with the investors. (Hmmm... interesting. I did some research and didn't come up with anything questionable.) He suggested that I look into it, which I did, and that maybe I wouldn't eat there after I did some research, too. After that, I turned - gift card in hand - and walked back to the car.
I came home and put the Subway card on the table. Later, when I explained the situation to Matt, I ended the explanation with, "HE'S the one who's homeless, yet I was the one who walked away totally embarrassed." I think I'm still trying to process what happened in that exchange (or lack thereof!) with the homeless guy.
The best thing that I can come up with is that I just got handed a plateful of humility. I should have just purchased a Walmart card instead of a Subway card, but I wanted the guy to use it for food (and not other addiction aids). Am I controlling or what? I tried to control what this guy needed, and even though I'm not homeless - and hope to never be! - I thought I knew what was best for him. Turns out I was wrong.
The end result is a heartfelt prayer to Jesus that if I need more lessons in humility, keep them coming. It's hard to take when it happens, but it's necessary for spiritual growth and character development. (Don't you love how I typed "if"?) Jesus had a huge heart for the homeless, so I'll keep asking for that, too.
Guess we're going to Subway for lunch for a while... :)
I stood there, dumbfounded. It never entered my mind that this guy would refuse my offer. Is that big of me, or what?! I swallowed, looked around, gave him the most bewildered expression, and then muttered, "Well, do you know someone you could give this to?" He shook his head, no. His reason for not eating at Subway was that he doesn't agree with the investors. (Hmmm... interesting. I did some research and didn't come up with anything questionable.) He suggested that I look into it, which I did, and that maybe I wouldn't eat there after I did some research, too. After that, I turned - gift card in hand - and walked back to the car.
I came home and put the Subway card on the table. Later, when I explained the situation to Matt, I ended the explanation with, "HE'S the one who's homeless, yet I was the one who walked away totally embarrassed." I think I'm still trying to process what happened in that exchange (or lack thereof!) with the homeless guy.
The best thing that I can come up with is that I just got handed a plateful of humility. I should have just purchased a Walmart card instead of a Subway card, but I wanted the guy to use it for food (and not other addiction aids). Am I controlling or what? I tried to control what this guy needed, and even though I'm not homeless - and hope to never be! - I thought I knew what was best for him. Turns out I was wrong.
The end result is a heartfelt prayer to Jesus that if I need more lessons in humility, keep them coming. It's hard to take when it happens, but it's necessary for spiritual growth and character development. (Don't you love how I typed "if"?) Jesus had a huge heart for the homeless, so I'll keep asking for that, too.
Guess we're going to Subway for lunch for a while... :)
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