Win a FREE ticket to A Woman Inspired

Trish is giving away a ticket to the online Women's Conference - A Woman Inspired. For details click here. I've not looked into this (and frankly probably won't; life is too busy right now), but I trust Trish and she is very excited, and I'd like to help her get the word out. ::snort:: She will pick a winner on 5 April. If you are interested in winning a ticket, pop on over and follow her directions.

Do let me know what you think of the conference experience. The idea intrigues me for ministry in the 21st century... It has potential, I think, in the military community in which I minister. I'd love to know the pros and cons from your perspective. Shoot - if you've attended a similar online conference share now. ::snort:: I think I KNOW the pros and cons but have never successfully attended or spoke at one...and that's a different blog post. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Random Japanese Trivia - Diet

{This info from a book published in 1993. Kim can tell us if this is still true.}

• Japanese children are taught about nutrition in school.
• Children are taught to try to eat thirty different foods a day and to aim for 100 different foods a week. (My kids have been counting and they are doing well to get 10 - 15 a day).
• Japanese live longer than any other people in the world.
• Japan has the lowest rate of heart disease in the world.
• Japanese eat a lot of rice, noodles, vegetables and fish.
• Portions are smaller in Japan and in 1993 the average calories per day were 2,620 - Americans are listed as 3,546 calories a day.
• From 1973 - 1993 Japanese men, on average, became 3 inches taller and 11 pounds heavier.....and the author was wondering what more years of westernized food would do....I should search for more current info. This is interesting.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Random Homeschool Trivia

This statue of William Penn is 37 feet (11- meter) tall and overlooks downtown Philadelphia. It is the tallest statue on any building in the world. Interested in more trivia?

• Weighs 27 tons
• Was set on the tower November 28, 1894
• One hair strand is 4 ft long
• foot length - 5 ft (now that's big)

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Popcorn Chicken

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 t. sea salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
butter

In a medium sized bowl, stir together flour, salt and garlic powder. Using kitchen shears, cut chicken breasts into tiny bite sized pieces. Toss chicken in flour mixture to coat well.

Smear a thick layer of butter on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour coated chicken into dish, spreading so that they are in a single layer.Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Stir chicken and bake another 10 minutes.

This is a "High 5" recipe from Laura at Heavenly Homemaker. I like these recipes because they are simple, healthy and winners for her family of young boys. Our verdict on this one....we like the coating from Shake and Bake chicken best. I cooked a pan of chicken strips with that coating and the popcorn chicken tonight. HOWEVER, this one is GOOD and SIMPLE.....it is very easy to throw things together and make this....it takes a bit more time to make up the Shake and Bake mix if I'm out of it....so I'm glad to have both recipes in my "tool box".

ALSO that slathering butter on the bottom of the pan is a GREAT trick...yum and no sticking....I've been too stingy with the butter.

We ate it before I took a photo - oops - go visit Heavenly Homemaker for a photo. ::snort::

This one is going right into the Recipe Index so that it is sure to make the trip to Japan. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Another Chance to Win Clutter Free Christianity

My real life (and Internet) friend, Cindy, is also giving away a copy of Clutter Free Christianity this week. Cindy is drawing a winner on 5 April. BTW, when you see a blog tour like this, google and you'll find other bloggers hosting giveaways on the same book during the same week.

I want to be clear that this book is about clearing away the clutter in our spiritual lives so that we enjoy clarity in our relationship with Christ. I'd hate for you to think that you are winning a Suzie Homemaker book. ::snort::

We'll be drawing a winner tomorrow at noon. Enter here if you haven't. Remember, International readers are welcome to participate in this drawing.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

"Sumimasen, Toire wa doko desu ka?"

Finally, thanks to Jon G, I now know a truly useful phrase in Japanese. ::snort::

The above says, "Excuse me, where is the bathroom?" I had learned all but the Toire word....so anyone in the know care to pronounce Toire....is it TOY- reee or Too reh or.....

And Kim - would this be a polite way of asking? Or is it considered ill-mannered in Japan to ASK or mention a bathroom? I was overwhelmed with the options....toilet, powder room, rest room...

Honestly, I'm frustrated with the pace of the process...I want to be able to introduce new friends to Jesus....to the Love He offers...and at this rate....but then maybe THAT is what the lady was about last night. She could see "something" without me even speaking to her...A reminder from God that our lives speak even without correct words and grammar....I'll relax....lifestyle evangelism - it's what I'm about anyway.....I don't usually present the 4 spiritual laws on the streets in America come to think of it.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

CAMPING....

Isn't this clever? Zander and Nolan made a "tent" and then a campfire out of dinosaurs. Stacia's job was to warm herself at the fire they provided. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.