Domestic Guru

Do you ever get the urge to just be domestic?!  I know you do.

And so do I.  In fact, sometimes I just want to sew something, or deep-clean something, or even grow something that doesn't call me "mom."

We love planting our garden, and last year the beans grew and grew, and then shriveled and died on the vine.  Because, we learned, we don't really care for fresh, crisp green beans. Rather, I don't.  And there weren't enough to make it worth canning, so basically, they just took up room in the garden.

yes, these are my beans!

Since last year, I have collected a few boxes of pint jars.  So with all of this in mind, I planted double our usual crop of green beans. And the beans came.  And so I picked, and picked.  And when it felt like I could not possibly store another bean in my fridge, I borrowed a pressure canner and spent the day on the phone with my mom, trying to figure out how to can the "easiest thing to can."

I was shocked to learn that my gigantic bag of beans taking up so much room in my fridge, after snapping, only filled 7 pint jars.  What a let-down.  I was sure I would have at least 30 pints.   But no.  All of that work, for a measly 7 pints?  Then again, that is 7 sides for meals for our family.  Nonetheless, it was disappointing.

But we kept the canner a little longer, and I have spent some more time canning.  To this date, we have 27 pints of green beans.  I feel like a brand new mom, so proud of my little jars.  If only they were cuter...

I do wish the beans could keep the same brilliant green as when they are fresh.  Because let's be real, the canned beans look less-than-appetizing.  But truth be told, they taste great!

You know what was the best part?  The jars I collected actually belonged to my grandmother.  So while I was learning domestic skills, I kept thinking about her, and how she probably used the same jars to can some delicious apricots, beans, or jellies.  Very cool.


Am I domestic?  On most days, not so much.  But I do get these incredible urges to be domestic sometimes, and occasionally it even works out like I planned! 

The next great motivational speaker... ME?

Many of you know that I went to Young Women's Girls Camp a few weeks ago.  What you might not have known was that I was asked to present a 2 hour morality workshop for all of the Mia Maids (14-15 year old girls) while we were at camp.

Talk about STRESSFUL.

Talk about a LONG TIME to talk to bored 14 year-olds.

I had a few months to prepare, all of which was sorely needed, and here's what I've decided since then:

I think I want to be a motivational/inspirational speaker-- specifically for youth.  You know, a "John Bytheway" or "Sheri Dew" type.  Unfortunately, "Amber Shurtliff" doesn't seem to roll off the tongue quite the same way.

Don't let me fool you, the morality workshop went ok, but there was nothing amazing to it.  Through the process of preparing and preparing and preparing, I just realized that I really like combining the funny, serious, spiritual, inspiring, etc. 

AND feeling like I had a chance to help someone else want to make good decisions was awesome.

Can't you see it?  Me, the next big motivational speaker.

 

Here's the problem.  There are a few things that might stop me from this new ambition.

1. I loathe public speaking.

Problematic?  Yes.  The fact is, I don't like anything where I have to be in front of a group of people, whether I'm speaking or not.  Just the thought that I might have to be in front of other people makes me nauseous.   

2. I cry WAY too much.

...specifically when it comes to topics that are really important to me.  Often, these are spiritual topics.  On the upside, a bout of crying does bring the audiences attention back to you.  On the downside, my voice goes all squeaky and my nose turns red.

3. I don't have anything motivating or inspiring to say. 

 Let's face it, in my short 26 years, I haven't had any major upheaval, just normal life.  I get that you can take "normal" and still have inspiring stories, but in general, I seem to be lacking in this category.

So in all honesty, it doesn't look like I have much going for me in the way of becoming a motivational speaker.  I have the desire, but am lacking in the rest of the requirements.  Oh well.  Maybe it'll happen down the road.

In the meantime, I'll just be a blogger.  Be inspired :)