Friday, January 30, 2009
All is right with the world
Well, not really. The economy, global warming, war, disease...that's not all right. But the statement is true for my little micro piece of the world. The Attorney is home. His father is probably going home today. The sun is shining. The cedar levels are down. Life is good here.
Monday, January 26, 2009
In the blink of an eye
The Attorney's parents had a small fire at their house last night. Not too bad, all things considered. It was contained to a bathroom and most of the damage appears to be from smoke. If that weren't scary enough, his dad was having issues breathing this morning, then memory lapses and finally, a seizure. He's in ICU. The Attorney is on a plane right now and will be landing soon and driving to the hospital where they're transferring him. The Sister and Brother-in-Law and the New Niece are on their way as well. His mom is doing OK, physically anyway.
I spent my morning (and, I confess, early afternoon) in my PJs, catching up on correspondence and doing things on the computer. I like to plan out my week on Monday morning - take stock and gear up for what's ahead. Today it was rainy and foggy so it felt right to stay in, take it slow, ease into the week.
Then the Attorney called, and in the blink of an eye, it all changed. I was making flight arrangements and packing bags and making phone calls and generally being supportive. This culminated in fighting traffic on the way to the airport and a hurried goodbye. He made his flight, thank goodness.
And in another blink of an eye, it was still again. But I don't have the peace I had this morning. My mind is racing. We don't know a lot about my father-in-law's condition and there's a big chance of freezing precipitation while the Attorney and his family are on the road tonight.
Please keep them in your prayers.
I spent my morning (and, I confess, early afternoon) in my PJs, catching up on correspondence and doing things on the computer. I like to plan out my week on Monday morning - take stock and gear up for what's ahead. Today it was rainy and foggy so it felt right to stay in, take it slow, ease into the week.
Then the Attorney called, and in the blink of an eye, it all changed. I was making flight arrangements and packing bags and making phone calls and generally being supportive. This culminated in fighting traffic on the way to the airport and a hurried goodbye. He made his flight, thank goodness.
And in another blink of an eye, it was still again. But I don't have the peace I had this morning. My mind is racing. We don't know a lot about my father-in-law's condition and there's a big chance of freezing precipitation while the Attorney and his family are on the road tonight.
Please keep them in your prayers.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Just Say No
In junior high and high school I was a "Just Say No" club leader. My team worked with elementary students. We were never naive enough to think that just saying no was enough - we taught the kids about the harmful effects of drugs, played games, made posters etc. I don't know that we personally kept anyone from doing drugs, but we spent enough time with our groups that I know we had at least a small positive impact on their lives.
"Just Say No" was one of the many activities I was involved in at that time. I've always been very involved. Maybe because, ironcially, I've always had a hard time saying no. I'm a helper, a pleaser - not a doormat, but definitely a much knocked upon door. So when my former boss asked me back in December to consider a long term substitute position for the spring, I didn't say no.
And today, after a month of considering and deciding I did NOT want to take the job, I DIDN'T SAY NO! Granted, I didn't say yes, but I didn't say no. This happened 5 minutes after having a conversation with another teacher which ended in her telling me, "It sounds like you've made up your mind." I had made up my mind! And I still didn't say no!
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why am I like this? Why can't I take the same advice I gave the kids all those years ago?!?!?!? Any words of wisdom on bowing out of something gracefully, yet forcefully, is appreciated.
"Just Say No" was one of the many activities I was involved in at that time. I've always been very involved. Maybe because, ironcially, I've always had a hard time saying no. I'm a helper, a pleaser - not a doormat, but definitely a much knocked upon door. So when my former boss asked me back in December to consider a long term substitute position for the spring, I didn't say no.
And today, after a month of considering and deciding I did NOT want to take the job, I DIDN'T SAY NO! Granted, I didn't say yes, but I didn't say no. This happened 5 minutes after having a conversation with another teacher which ended in her telling me, "It sounds like you've made up your mind." I had made up my mind! And I still didn't say no!
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why am I like this? Why can't I take the same advice I gave the kids all those years ago?!?!?!? Any words of wisdom on bowing out of something gracefully, yet forcefully, is appreciated.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wacky Web Wednesday
Andy Samberg's digital shorts are one of the most consistently funny parts of SNL these days. He is involved in producing this CD and has a cameo in the video. It's stupid, but that's the point. Disclaimer: There is a naughty word in this which could offend those of tender ears. It goes by quickly, however.
We Like Sportz
We Like Sportz
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Time to Put Away Childish Things
I watched most of the inauguration festivities at a very festive inauguration party. It was fun to share this historic moment with people I really like. We joked and laughed and scanned the crowds for people we knew, but we also recognized the significance of what was happening and were respectfully silent during the serious parts. I agree with my friend TIA that the thing that best captured the spirit of the day was the beautiful Shaker song arranged by John Williams and performed by a quartet of mixed race and gender. Hearing that music while watching the camera sweep over the crowd on the national mall brought me to tears. My second favorite moment was the benediction by Rev. Joseph Lowery.
There is no doubt that President (yay it's fun to say that!) Obama is an exceptional speaker. I have heard mixed reviews on today's address and I admit that it didn't get me as pumped as some of his other speeches. But I think it was right for today - for the climate of our country and for the reality of what he is about to take on. It is time, as he quoted from scripture, to put away childish things. So many of the arguments I heard coming from Washington and the political power plays of the last 8 years reminded me of what I dealt with in my 5th grade classroom. Will Ferrell was the perfect George W. because he, like the former (yay!) president, is just a big kid. It's time for Washington to grow up.
It won't be easy, and our new president realizes that. This was one of my favorite parts of his speech:
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them— that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.
It's a lot to take on. I know he won't be able to do everything and he certainly can't do it alone. But a government that is open, that works for the common good and that recognizes and upholds basic human rights...that's change I can believe in.
There is no doubt that President (yay it's fun to say that!) Obama is an exceptional speaker. I have heard mixed reviews on today's address and I admit that it didn't get me as pumped as some of his other speeches. But I think it was right for today - for the climate of our country and for the reality of what he is about to take on. It is time, as he quoted from scripture, to put away childish things. So many of the arguments I heard coming from Washington and the political power plays of the last 8 years reminded me of what I dealt with in my 5th grade classroom. Will Ferrell was the perfect George W. because he, like the former (yay!) president, is just a big kid. It's time for Washington to grow up.
It won't be easy, and our new president realizes that. This was one of my favorite parts of his speech:
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them— that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.
It's a lot to take on. I know he won't be able to do everything and he certainly can't do it alone. But a government that is open, that works for the common good and that recognizes and upholds basic human rights...that's change I can believe in.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Pride (in the name of love)
I wanted to do a substantial post today, but cedar is at an all time high and I have spent most of the day drugged up on Benadryl. I found this video, however, that is a great visual for my thoughts today. It's set to U2's "Pride (in the name of love)", which is one of my faves. I got to see U2 in Memphis, a city they once said they would never visit because Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot there. Hearing them do this song in that city was one of the most powerful musical experiences I have ever had.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I Want to Ride My Bicycle...
That Queen song is stuck in my head. It's stuck there because I sang it in my head as I rode my bike to my guitar lesson this afternoon. In an effort to be both more environmentally conscious and healthier, the Attorney and I are trying to use our bikes for transportation as well as recreation. The Attorney cleverly used a compass (the math kind, not the direction kind) to mark 1/2 mile, 1 mile, 1 1/2 mile and 2 mile radii from our house on a map. We are attempting, when possible, to ride our bikes to locations that fall within those circles. We can't ride at night yet as neither of us have headlights or flashers and we were somewhat limited in the errands we could run on the bikes to things we could carry in backpacks.
My Christmas presents from the Attorney and the pets helped with that problem. My bike is now tricked out with a rack and a "commuter trunk" - a clever bag that velcros to the rack. The trunk has mesh pockets inside to hold keys, cell phone, etc. and has plenty of room for a water bottle and other small things. It also has saddle bags that can be pulled down attached to the rack to carry larger items. And, being designed by those clever folks at REI, it also has a rain flap. I feel very cool having it on my bike, along with my new bell (like the one in that Queen song!) and...wait for it...streamers on my handle bars. Yes, I know I'm 35, not 5, but they're fun! And my bike is a Huffy so it works.
Our town is relatively bike friendly. Many roads have bike lanes and there is enough bike traffic that drivers are fairly aware of bikers. I try to stick to neighborhoods when I can, which means I don't always take the most direct route to my destination. As was the case with going to my guitar lesson today. But my guitar and I made it there and back safely (my case has a shoulder strap so I could carry the guitar on my back) and I got some much needed exercise. It was one of the longer trips I have made using my bike for transportation and, hopefully, a positive first step in doing so more often.
My Christmas presents from the Attorney and the pets helped with that problem. My bike is now tricked out with a rack and a "commuter trunk" - a clever bag that velcros to the rack. The trunk has mesh pockets inside to hold keys, cell phone, etc. and has plenty of room for a water bottle and other small things. It also has saddle bags that can be pulled down attached to the rack to carry larger items. And, being designed by those clever folks at REI, it also has a rain flap. I feel very cool having it on my bike, along with my new bell (like the one in that Queen song!) and...wait for it...streamers on my handle bars. Yes, I know I'm 35, not 5, but they're fun! And my bike is a Huffy so it works.
Our town is relatively bike friendly. Many roads have bike lanes and there is enough bike traffic that drivers are fairly aware of bikers. I try to stick to neighborhoods when I can, which means I don't always take the most direct route to my destination. As was the case with going to my guitar lesson today. But my guitar and I made it there and back safely (my case has a shoulder strap so I could carry the guitar on my back) and I got some much needed exercise. It was one of the longer trips I have made using my bike for transportation and, hopefully, a positive first step in doing so more often.
Monday, January 12, 2009
To Blog or Not to Blog...
That has been the question I have asked myself for the last several days, and obviously I have chosen the latter. I haven't had anything "meaningful" to share (I know that hasn't stopped me before!) and I've been pretty occupied with household duties, play rehearsals and, unfortunately, allergies. You fellow cedar sufferers out there understand my pain! In addition to the traditional symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and itchy ears, nose and throat, cedar also gives me an overall feeling of yuckiness. You know, that not bad enough to justify laying around on the couch all day but bad enough that that's all you really want to do feeling? I haven't given in to it often, but couple it with the sometimes necessary Benadryl, and the couch and I have had some quality time this past week.
So therefore, no blogging of late. I'll try to do better this week.
So therefore, no blogging of late. I'll try to do better this week.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Return of Wacky Web Wednesday
Thanks to the Netflix, the Attorney and I are catching up on TV shows that we missed due to our lack of cable. One that we really enjoyed is "Flight of the Conchords." Lola got the Attorney their CD for Christmas and we listened to it ALOT on our trip home. Here's a couple of my favorites:
Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros
Think About It
Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros
Think About It
Woooooo Pig Sooie!
Texas 61, Arkansas 67
I 'm a realistic Razorback fan, so I know good pre-season play is not a predictor of how the season will go. But this is the most promising start we've had in years and I really like the new coach and want him to do well.
Go Hogs!
I 'm a realistic Razorback fan, so I know good pre-season play is not a predictor of how the season will go. But this is the most promising start we've had in years and I really like the new coach and want him to do well.
Go Hogs!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Ten Years Ago Today...
...The Attorney and I were married. It was bitterly cold and there was an ice storm that kept many guests from being able to attend. The electricity had been out at my house for 2 days, but thankfully, was on at the church (a mere 2 blocks away). The Wonder Child had just been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and had undergone her first round of chemo before coming to town for the wedding. She didn't make it down the aisle, but she did make it into her flower girl dress and into several pictures. We were too busy at the reception to eat anything other than the cake we fed each other!
In spite of those things, it was a lovely day. Friends from all aspects of our lives were there. The core members of our families made it. Our favorite minister from college married us. Good friends from Austin provided the music. Everyone else had a great time at the reception and said the food was good! I didn't cry until it was time to "go away."
I think having that mix on our wedding day has served us well in our ten years of marriage. We started our life together knowing that life is not perfect. Bad things happen. But good things happen, too, and you can find joy in the midst of sorrow. I am thankful to have a life partner who recognizes this and is along for the ride with me through it all.
"Something That We Do" was one our wedding songs. It means as much (or more!) to me today than it did then. I think the songwriter hits so many things on the head about what love really is, but mostly the idea that love is a verb.
I remember well the day we wed, I can see that picture in my head
I still believe the words we said forever will ring true
Love is certain, love is kind, love is yours and love is mine
But it isn't something that we find - it's something that we do
It's holding tight, letting go, it's flying high and laying low
Let your strongest feelings show and your weakness, too
It's a little and a lot to ask, an endless and a welcome task
Love isn't something that we have - it's something that we do
We help to make each other all that we can be
Though we can find our strength and inspiration independently
The way we work together is what sets our love apart
So closely that I can't tell where I end and where you start
It gives me heart remembering how we started with a simple vow
There's so much to look back on now, still it feels brand-new
We're on a road that has no end and each day we begin again
Love's not just something that were in - it's something that we do
Love is wide, love is long, love is deep and love is strong
Love is why I love this song and I hope you love it too
I remember well the day we wed, I can see that picture in my head
Love isn't just those words we said -it's something that we do
There's no request too big or small, we give ourselves, we give our all
Love isn't someplace that we fall - it's something that we do
Here's Clint Black's video:
While We Were Out...
I guess I should have titled that "While I Was Out," but I liked using the royal we there.
Anywho...Happy 2009! I bailed on my Advent meditations once we headed north for 10 days of holiday fun with the family. However, I'm glad I did it for as long as I did. It definitely helped remind me of what this time of year is supposed to be about.
A few highlights of our time in God's country:
Anywho...Happy 2009! I bailed on my Advent meditations once we headed north for 10 days of holiday fun with the family. However, I'm glad I did it for as long as I did. It definitely helped remind me of what this time of year is supposed to be about.
A few highlights of our time in God's country:
- Quality time with my whole family
- Meeting my sister's fiance
- Meeting up with good friends from college
- A Christmas Eve day journey with The Wonder Child to The Big Dam Bridge (you heard me! Check it out: http://www.bigdambridge.com/)
- The annual Christmas Eve Extravaganza starring myself, The Attorney and the Wonder Child
- Listening to family members attempting to read "Merry Christmas" in a variety of languages (our gift theme this year was Christmas Around the World)
- Playing Wii Sports with the whole family
- "Helping" my dad fry the turkey
- Eating LOTS of good home cookin'
- The Wonder Child's 15th birthday celebration
- Opening presents with The New Niece
- Playing on the floor with The New Niece
- Quality time with The Attorney's family
- Cousins! Cousins! Cousins!
- Seeing The New Niece get jealous when her favorite aunt played with one of the above mentioned cousins
- Eating at The Dixie Pig
- Watching almost all of The Muppet Show Season 1 on DVD (Thanks, Parents!)
- Coming home to a very excited dog and cat
- New Year's lunch with The Brown Eyed Girl
It was a really good holiday break, one of the best we've had in a while. It was nice to have so much time at home, but it's also good to be back here.
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