It seems like every year at this time emails and letters start to circulate which talk about the"REAL" meaning of Christmas and how "Christ" is being taken out of Christmas. Last night I was going through an email box I don't look through often and found one of these letters addressed to me and my family.
I absolutely believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and obviously, the person who sent this email feels quite strongly that "Christmas" is being "lost" to commercialism, political correctness, et cetera, et cetera.
It got me thinking. There are many ways in which I could respond (and I had to fight my desire to respond because I REALLY REALLY wanted to!) The more I thought about it, the more I realized that people will find whatever it is they are looking for. If I spend my time looking for the ways in which people have "altered" the true meaning of Christmas then I will find evidence to support my belief.
Instead, what I see, is not the deterioration of Christmas, but the spirit of love and of giving and of hope ALL around me. My nephew gathered all the coins he saved in his piggy bank to make a donation to animals in need. My mom coordinates the efforts of her siblings to put together Christmas hampers for needy people in her community. All around there are groups raising money to donate to some cause or another. Buying goats for communities in Africa. Wrapping presents for children in foster care. In my own small community businesses have been raising funds for a family with medical needs and all KINDS of organizations and individuals have been working towards raising money for a playground at the elementary school. My little boy goes to a head start program and his class participated in the food bingo, donating food to the local food bank. Now I will admit, the concept of a bingo card is not one he understands, but his mom had a BALL going through every cupboard in the house to gather as many items from the list as we could find to send with him (in a large box) to school the very next day. Does he completely "get it?" Probably not. He had as much fun going through the cupboard of cans and making additions to the box of donations sitting on the kitchen table.
It has been a thrill to take him into stores and see his enthusiasm for the lights, the music and the joy of choosing something to give to someone else - even if it is his own little brother or his dog, and even if it is something they probably won't even enjoy (I don't think the dog likes extension cords much). It is still HIM choosing something FOR someone else. I am absolutely LOVING how excited he is. I wish everyone could hear him singing the song he is learning for the Christmas Concert at his school tomorrow. He can't even say the words but he knows the tune and when there's a word he knows how to say he says it with all the enthusiasm his little body can muster.
There are opportunities for lessons about giving and sharing EVERYWHERE - if I look for them.
So I could spend my time writing about how UNChristmassy this season it, but instead I will focus on something different. I believe STRONGLY that what you look for you will find. So I wish for everyone that they will find a most excellent season filled with love and family and all the joy this time of year can bring.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Why we make a good couple...part 1
My spouse and I have been together a long time - I mean to say - we were together even before ELLEN came out!
We are very different as individuals and still we come together and complement one another well. Tonight is one example of that. Let me explain.....
I came home tonight and found Shel cleaning up vomit. Max had somehow consumed milk (when and where he got into it is still under investigation). He is allergic to milk and it made him more than a little ill. So I arrive with puking under way.
While Shel was cleaning up body fluid I picked up our very upset boy and held him on my lap. As I was holding him I felt his stomach gurgle and knew we were about to experience another bout of barking at the ants. I didn't have time to get to the bathroom so I held him, leaned forward and let him spew onto the floor. We avoided the furniture, the carpets, the clothing and managed to aim as well as could be expected. I was totally impressed with the finesse with which we managed the situation.
My spouse followed behind us to clean up the mess we had made. As she was cleaning up she said" Wow, Stomach acid really cleans the floor better than I have been able to scrub it!"
Her glass is always half full, and mine half empty. We make a great pair. I will hold puking kids as long as I never have to clean up after them, and she would prefer not to hold them and "aim!" And through al the realy gross moments that neither one of us would choose to endure, we share the moments and she brings a smile to my face. (Stomach acid really did a nice job of cleaning the floor!)
We are very different as individuals and still we come together and complement one another well. Tonight is one example of that. Let me explain.....
I came home tonight and found Shel cleaning up vomit. Max had somehow consumed milk (when and where he got into it is still under investigation). He is allergic to milk and it made him more than a little ill. So I arrive with puking under way.
While Shel was cleaning up body fluid I picked up our very upset boy and held him on my lap. As I was holding him I felt his stomach gurgle and knew we were about to experience another bout of barking at the ants. I didn't have time to get to the bathroom so I held him, leaned forward and let him spew onto the floor. We avoided the furniture, the carpets, the clothing and managed to aim as well as could be expected. I was totally impressed with the finesse with which we managed the situation.
My spouse followed behind us to clean up the mess we had made. As she was cleaning up she said" Wow, Stomach acid really cleans the floor better than I have been able to scrub it!"
Her glass is always half full, and mine half empty. We make a great pair. I will hold puking kids as long as I never have to clean up after them, and she would prefer not to hold them and "aim!" And through al the realy gross moments that neither one of us would choose to endure, we share the moments and she brings a smile to my face. (Stomach acid really did a nice job of cleaning the floor!)
Christmas shopping with a limited vocabulary
Max is old enough this year that we have decided he can participate in Christmas shopping as we pick up presents for one another and the pets.
Last year Christmas was COMPLETELY overwhelming and the poor kid was a wreck, but this year he is right into the spirit of things and excited about everything. Whenever we get into the van we have to listen to his Christmas music and snap our fingers. He snaps right along and reminds us if we happen to stop snapping for some reason. (Driving is not an excuse for not snapping by the way). We went for Christmas photos and he even sat on Santa's lap without crying!
Shopping on the other hand is something we need to work on still.
To say he is obsessed with extension cords and electricity is an understatement. There are a few stores in town we frequent and he can give you a grand tour of every aisle that has items needing plugs, where the cords run and where the outlets are.
Although his vocabulary is growing he still does not have a lot of words so you can't really ask him what he would like to get for his brother or we would end up wrapping an "onion" or a "hallway". That leaves pointing (which he does well).
Going down the aisle we ask, "Max, Would CJ like this?" His response to EVERY question is "No". Trying a different tack we ask, "Max, what would CJ like?" He responds to THIS question by escorting us to the aisle with extension cords. EVERYONE wants an extension cord according to Max. His moms, his brother, his dog, his cousins, and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Santa, don't forget an extension cord for him. He has a blue one already (if you needed help choosing a color).
sitting in court
Last week I had the wonderful experience of spending the day in court. I was called to testify and told I needed to be at the courthouse at 9am. I was there. The way the court works here is that everyone called to appear for the day enters the room at the same time and they go through each case. No-one ever leaves the room to call into the lobby and see if you are present. If you aren't in the room then you miss out - and pay the consequences.
I was a "little" freaked out that there is no-one at all at the entrance checking people as they enter. No wand, no metal detector, nothing. At one point a gentleman began to yell at the judge and the sheriffs jumped to their feet and ran towards him. The judge told him to leave and he did - but not before I had scoped out which exit I would take if things got nasty (and which people I could beat to the door!)
About 50 people were in the room at the beginning of the day. It started out with closed Circuit television showing people in the remand center as they came up on the docket. Then we went through the docket for the day. I was trying to pay attention and see if there was any rhyme or reason - alphabetical, age, reverse alphabetical - but I couldn't see anything that explained how cases were being called. It didn't even appear to be going by the date of the incident. I was there for an incident that happened on October 7th, but there were incidences that happened more recently than mine which were called before mine.
I had a LOT of time to sit and try to figure out the system of names being called because I was the ABSOLUTE LAST case to be called for the day.
Those court benches are insanely uncomfortable. In the provincial building where the courtroom is located there are no vending machines.
Granted - there were some interesting things, but nothing so interesting that I was thrilled to be there or that made the time pass more quickly.
So I went. I waited all day. I testified. I was cross examined (which was the most interesting part of my day).
Then yesterday I received a message on my phone from the RCMP to let me know what had happened in court. Apparently there was some breakdown in communication because as the officer was reading to the message machine what had happened in court he says "I see here that you were subpoenaed. I don't know why that happened, it was not necessary, and I hope you didn't miss work to sit in court for that."
If I had the energy to muster frustration I would have. While it was not the most painful day I have ever spend, it was by FAR anything I would have selected to participate in. I didn't know I had a choice once I was subpoenaed to not show up?
Interesting.
I was a "little" freaked out that there is no-one at all at the entrance checking people as they enter. No wand, no metal detector, nothing. At one point a gentleman began to yell at the judge and the sheriffs jumped to their feet and ran towards him. The judge told him to leave and he did - but not before I had scoped out which exit I would take if things got nasty (and which people I could beat to the door!)
About 50 people were in the room at the beginning of the day. It started out with closed Circuit television showing people in the remand center as they came up on the docket. Then we went through the docket for the day. I was trying to pay attention and see if there was any rhyme or reason - alphabetical, age, reverse alphabetical - but I couldn't see anything that explained how cases were being called. It didn't even appear to be going by the date of the incident. I was there for an incident that happened on October 7th, but there were incidences that happened more recently than mine which were called before mine.
I had a LOT of time to sit and try to figure out the system of names being called because I was the ABSOLUTE LAST case to be called for the day.
Those court benches are insanely uncomfortable. In the provincial building where the courtroom is located there are no vending machines.
Granted - there were some interesting things, but nothing so interesting that I was thrilled to be there or that made the time pass more quickly.
So I went. I waited all day. I testified. I was cross examined (which was the most interesting part of my day).
Then yesterday I received a message on my phone from the RCMP to let me know what had happened in court. Apparently there was some breakdown in communication because as the officer was reading to the message machine what had happened in court he says "I see here that you were subpoenaed. I don't know why that happened, it was not necessary, and I hope you didn't miss work to sit in court for that."
If I had the energy to muster frustration I would have. While it was not the most painful day I have ever spend, it was by FAR anything I would have selected to participate in. I didn't know I had a choice once I was subpoenaed to not show up?
Interesting.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
12 of 12
12 of 12 is hosted each month by Chad Darnell. You can check out his cool site and others who participate by linking HERE.
Here is my contribution for this month:
#1. When we woke up this morning the temperature was a BALMY -38 degrees C. That translates into a day spent indoors and finding ways of amusing ourselves. These days can be LONG ones.
#2. What better to do than combine two of our favorite things - moms and extension cords! Mom is such a good sport!
#3. Time to make supper. We busted out the recipe book and started to make Chili Con Carne. Unfortunately half way through we realized we didn't have all the ingredients. Oh well. What little boys don't know won't hurt them, so we served it "as is" and pretended all was well!
#4. From extension cords to mixing bowls. This is a day full of excitement! Little boys "helped" cooking supper.
#5. Finger lickin good!
#6. And some even managed to get inside of him!
#7. Time for some television viewing. Only one of our boys is interested in tv - can you guess which one?
#8. Sitting in one spot got boring so we "rocked" around the living room and laughed.
#9. Not everyone in the house was enthusiastic about the day indoors. Poor Zuva was bored out of her mind and tried to sleep the day away.
#11. Will this day EVER end?
#12. Everyone is in bed. The puppy won't go to the bathroom without an escort - she is worried she will freeze to the ground and we wont notice she is gone. Time for a last check to make sure the vehicle is plugged and and it's off to bed!
Here is my contribution for this month:
#1. When we woke up this morning the temperature was a BALMY -38 degrees C. That translates into a day spent indoors and finding ways of amusing ourselves. These days can be LONG ones.
#2. What better to do than combine two of our favorite things - moms and extension cords! Mom is such a good sport!
#3. Time to make supper. We busted out the recipe book and started to make Chili Con Carne. Unfortunately half way through we realized we didn't have all the ingredients. Oh well. What little boys don't know won't hurt them, so we served it "as is" and pretended all was well!
#4. From extension cords to mixing bowls. This is a day full of excitement! Little boys "helped" cooking supper.
#5. Finger lickin good!
#6. And some even managed to get inside of him!
#7. Time for some television viewing. Only one of our boys is interested in tv - can you guess which one?#8. Sitting in one spot got boring so we "rocked" around the living room and laughed.
#9. Not everyone in the house was enthusiastic about the day indoors. Poor Zuva was bored out of her mind and tried to sleep the day away.
#10. The Christmas tree was too tempting to pass up.
#11. Will this day EVER end?#12. Everyone is in bed. The puppy won't go to the bathroom without an escort - she is worried she will freeze to the ground and we wont notice she is gone. Time for a last check to make sure the vehicle is plugged and and it's off to bed!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday Stealing
The Strange Question Meme, Part 2
Cheers to all us thieves!
Sunday Stealing: The Strange Question Meme, Part 2
26. What color is your watch? Silver, but I currently don't wear it.
27. What do you think of when you hear “Australia”? Visiting there with my Spouse
28. Would you strip for money? LOL. That's funny. One day I'll blog on the topic.
29. Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? drive thru
30. What is your favorite number? 14
31. Who’s the last person you talked to on the phone? hmnnnn. I texted someone more recently than I spoke to someone. I think my last conversation was with a foster care worker.
32. Any plans today? Nope.
33. In how many states have you lived? 3 states and 3 provinces
34. Biggest annoyance right now?
35. Last song listened to? Alice the Camel has 5 humps.
36. Can you say the alphabet backwards? if I am reading it.
37. Do you have a maid service clean your house? nope
38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? birkenstocks
39. Are you jealous of anyone? nope
40. Is anyone jealous of you? nope
41. Do you love anyone? yes
42. Do any of your friends have children? yes
43. What do you usually do during the day? work
44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now? I'm not feeling "hate" right now.
45. Do you use the word hello daily? yes
46. What color is your car? purple
47. What size wedding ring do you wear? I have no idea
48. Are you thinking about someone right now? Now that I thought about the question I am !
49. Have you ever been to Six Flags? nope
50. How did you get your worst scar? uh.... I don't know. I have a scar from burning my arm at work and some scars on my knees. I have a surgery scar on my foot and a scar on my foot from dropping an exacto knife when I wasn't wearing shoes...
Cheers to all us thieves!
Sunday Stealing: The Strange Question Meme, Part 2
26. What color is your watch? Silver, but I currently don't wear it.
27. What do you think of when you hear “Australia”? Visiting there with my Spouse
28. Would you strip for money? LOL. That's funny. One day I'll blog on the topic.
29. Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? drive thru
30. What is your favorite number? 14
31. Who’s the last person you talked to on the phone? hmnnnn. I texted someone more recently than I spoke to someone. I think my last conversation was with a foster care worker.
32. Any plans today? Nope.
33. In how many states have you lived? 3 states and 3 provinces
34. Biggest annoyance right now?
35. Last song listened to? Alice the Camel has 5 humps.
36. Can you say the alphabet backwards? if I am reading it.
37. Do you have a maid service clean your house? nope
38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? birkenstocks
39. Are you jealous of anyone? nope
40. Is anyone jealous of you? nope
41. Do you love anyone? yes
42. Do any of your friends have children? yes
43. What do you usually do during the day? work
44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now? I'm not feeling "hate" right now.
45. Do you use the word hello daily? yes
46. What color is your car? purple
47. What size wedding ring do you wear? I have no idea
48. Are you thinking about someone right now? Now that I thought about the question I am !
49. Have you ever been to Six Flags? nope
50. How did you get your worst scar? uh.... I don't know. I have a scar from burning my arm at work and some scars on my knees. I have a surgery scar on my foot and a scar on my foot from dropping an exacto knife when I wasn't wearing shoes...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
these type of people
In Puerto Rico a teenage gay boy by the name of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado,was killed and decapitated this weekend (November 14th 2009). One of the original investigating officers reportedly said to the media "When these type of people get into this and go out into the streets like this, they know this can happen to them."
These type of people?
Get into this?
Go out into the streets like this?
I am confused, because I am "one of these people" and when I go out into the streets I don't expect to be killed and decapitated.
On that note - I would like to give a HUGE thank-you to the Mormon church, who in an official statement said that they believe homosexuals should have the right "to have a roof over their heads and the right to work without being discriminated against." Wow. Housing and employment and not being killed. Things I think I shouldn't have to ask for from ANYONE or ANY organization. But that's just me.
These type of people?
Get into this?
Go out into the streets like this?
I am confused, because I am "one of these people" and when I go out into the streets I don't expect to be killed and decapitated.
On that note - I would like to give a HUGE thank-you to the Mormon church, who in an official statement said that they believe homosexuals should have the right "to have a roof over their heads and the right to work without being discriminated against." Wow. Housing and employment and not being killed. Things I think I shouldn't have to ask for from ANYONE or ANY organization. But that's just me.
Monday, November 16, 2009
still procrastinatng school work
I am still procrastinating doing my thesis - which means I am still going to the library and checking out books. I just started to read "The Time Traveller's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger (how do you get a cool name like THAT?!) and I am LOVING it. I heard some mixed reviews about the movie but I have been "kinda" interested in the book for a while. I was hooked as soon as I opened the front cover and read the poem "Love after Love" by Derek Walcott.
The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other's welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other's welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
sunday stealing
Sunday Stealing: The Over the Top Meme
Part One - Describe:
Your hair? Short
Your mother? Tall. My mom is an amazing woman. She is the hardest worker I have ever known.
Your father? My dad is the strong silent type. He has a wicked sense of humor. He loves technology.
Your favorite food? Mexican.
Your dream last night? I had a totally weird dream last night. I was living at home, my parents owned two properties and were selling one. I was upset they were selling one and they told me if I was so upset I should buy it and move out. I was shocked they would ask me to move out!
Your favorite drink? I love Dr. Pepper, the American kind.
Your dream/goal? My current goal is to make some home improvements and get the boys to sleep the night through.
The room are you in? I'm at home in my living room.
Your hobby? I love reading, but is that a hobby? I love crafting and cross stitch. I am itching to start a new cross stitch but can't decide on what project to work on.
Your fear? Losing someone close to me.
Your TV? We currently have one working television in the house. It is a 13 inch tv/dvd combo and it is on top of the armoire where no-one can reach it.
Your Pets? The pet population in our house has been dramatically reduced in the last month and a half. We now have two cats and one dog.
Friends? I have some!
Your life? It has certainly taken me to places I never thought possible, places I never even knew existed!
Your mood? I'm working on improving my mood. My spouse watched something that said coke has a negative effect on mood so I am trying to reduce my coke intake and fight the headaches I get EVERYtime I try. (I have given up coke more times than I can count and I always end up drinking it again!)
If you're missing someone? I miss my parents.
Part Two - The Where's?
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Wow, In six years I will have two boys in school, so wherever we are it will be close to a great school, and hopefully closer someone in my family.
Where were you last night? At home, watching television and playing on the internet.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in a small town, in another country, close to my aunts and uncles and both sets of grandparents. It was a wonderful childhood.
One place that I go to over and over? The Library.
Your favorite place to eat out? When I was living in Ogden I loved going to the Union Grill or to Burrito Grande. Now that I am in a small town, I don't have a favorite place to eat out.
Wish list items? Because we are currently working on the house I wish I had a bigger budget to afford all the improvements we want to make! A new roof, gutters, a new bathroom, a new kitchen.....
Last time you laughed? I laughed a minute ago at my 16 month old who walks like he is 90.
Last time you cried? Putting Tora to sleep last month.
Part Three - The What's?
Something that you aren't? Ridiculously good looking.... oh wait.......
Last thing you did? Tried for too long to copy and paste this fetching meme.
What are you wearing? My pajamas and a long sleeve t-shirt that is very comfy.
Something you're not wearing? Shoes
Your favorite store? Hm. I don't think I have a favorite store. I like overstock.com and lee valley
Part One - Describe:
Your hair? Short
Your mother? Tall. My mom is an amazing woman. She is the hardest worker I have ever known.
Your father? My dad is the strong silent type. He has a wicked sense of humor. He loves technology.
Your favorite food? Mexican.
Your dream last night? I had a totally weird dream last night. I was living at home, my parents owned two properties and were selling one. I was upset they were selling one and they told me if I was so upset I should buy it and move out. I was shocked they would ask me to move out!
Your favorite drink? I love Dr. Pepper, the American kind.
Your dream/goal? My current goal is to make some home improvements and get the boys to sleep the night through.
The room are you in? I'm at home in my living room.
Your hobby? I love reading, but is that a hobby? I love crafting and cross stitch. I am itching to start a new cross stitch but can't decide on what project to work on.
Your fear? Losing someone close to me.
Your TV? We currently have one working television in the house. It is a 13 inch tv/dvd combo and it is on top of the armoire where no-one can reach it.
Your Pets? The pet population in our house has been dramatically reduced in the last month and a half. We now have two cats and one dog.
Friends? I have some!
Your life? It has certainly taken me to places I never thought possible, places I never even knew existed!
Your mood? I'm working on improving my mood. My spouse watched something that said coke has a negative effect on mood so I am trying to reduce my coke intake and fight the headaches I get EVERYtime I try. (I have given up coke more times than I can count and I always end up drinking it again!)
If you're missing someone? I miss my parents.
Part Two - The Where's?
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Wow, In six years I will have two boys in school, so wherever we are it will be close to a great school, and hopefully closer someone in my family.
Where were you last night? At home, watching television and playing on the internet.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in a small town, in another country, close to my aunts and uncles and both sets of grandparents. It was a wonderful childhood.
One place that I go to over and over? The Library.
Your favorite place to eat out? When I was living in Ogden I loved going to the Union Grill or to Burrito Grande. Now that I am in a small town, I don't have a favorite place to eat out.
Wish list items? Because we are currently working on the house I wish I had a bigger budget to afford all the improvements we want to make! A new roof, gutters, a new bathroom, a new kitchen.....
Last time you laughed? I laughed a minute ago at my 16 month old who walks like he is 90.
Last time you cried? Putting Tora to sleep last month.
Part Three - The What's?
Something that you aren't? Ridiculously good looking.... oh wait.......
Last thing you did? Tried for too long to copy and paste this fetching meme.
What are you wearing? My pajamas and a long sleeve t-shirt that is very comfy.
Something you're not wearing? Shoes
Your favorite store? Hm. I don't think I have a favorite store. I like overstock.com and lee valley
Saturday, November 14, 2009
word update
The appointment with the hearing specialist is at the end of this week and we are nervous to hear what the prognosis is for our boy. In the meantime he is saying new words almost every day. This week he said ice and rice, yesterday he said bottle, and today he said bubbles while he was in the tub!
Shel and I are going to look and see if there are any opportunities to take sign language classes somewhere. That's one of the drawbacks of living so far away from a major center - we don't have lots of opportunities for things like that. at this point we are willing to travel to learn what we can. He picks it up very quickly, it is harder for us and we are just hunting and pecking for individual signs on the internet as we think we need them. I really think he would be using a lot more signs if we were. The challenge is to get him to use the correct sign all the time because he really modifies them. Shel and I understand what he means, but anyone else using REAL sign language would have no clue!
Shel and I are going to look and see if there are any opportunities to take sign language classes somewhere. That's one of the drawbacks of living so far away from a major center - we don't have lots of opportunities for things like that. at this point we are willing to travel to learn what we can. He picks it up very quickly, it is harder for us and we are just hunting and pecking for individual signs on the internet as we think we need them. I really think he would be using a lot more signs if we were. The challenge is to get him to use the correct sign all the time because he really modifies them. Shel and I understand what he means, but anyone else using REAL sign language would have no clue!
Unfortunately we cannot find a sign for worchestershire sauce which is a staple in his life. He isn't quite ready for finger spelling!
Friday, November 13, 2009
my dewey decimal
My Dewey Decimal Section:
703 Dictionaries of fine & decorative arts
MY NAME = 0129531085894525845 = 012+953+108+589+452+584+5 = 2703
Class:
700 Arts & Recreation
Contains:
Architecture, drawing, painting, music, sports.
What it says about you:
You're creative and fun, and you're good at motivating the people around you. You're attracted to things that are visually interesting. Other people might not always understand your taste or style, but it's yours.
Find your Dewey Decimal Section at Spacefem.com
Thursday, November 12, 2009
12 of 12
12 of 12 is courtesy of Chad Darnell. I will put a link up here asap. I need to hurry and post this though, so I will come back with the link..... enjoy!
Here is the link to Chad's site. Check it out! It's worth your time.
I am posting these backwards because I am having issues with my internet connection and I want to get this posted in the next 20 minutes... my apologies.
#1. My baby is up WAYYYY too late but he thinks if he is cute he will get away with something. He is right. He should not be playing with his phone but SLEEPING.
#2. I love, love, love the PVR. It means when I get home late I can still watch my favorite shows and PAUSE the action when something "interesting" is on the screen!
#3. Zuva got a new collar. It is a reflective collar. She apparently has had a long day and is sleeping. Unlike me and the baby.
#4. Nyxie had an extra long day. It looks like Max got into the paint and tried to color her up. He doesn't realize Halloween is over. Poor Kitty needs a bath.
#5. It's 10:30. I am still resenting daylight savings. That means that my body thinks it is 11:30 pm.
#6. This is what is left of my Birthday Balloons. The have held their helium very well.
#7. This is a picture of an actual article from this weeks newspaper in my town(the paper gets published once a week and I just bought this weeks edition today). Front page news. "The plop hits the spot."
#9. This was sometime around 6pm? My desktop. The only thing better than P!nk is .... 4 P!nk's
#10. 9am at work. Not the best picture, I was trying to show that the red light is on. That means there is a message for me (or messages) at work. I hate seeing this little red light primarily because there are a few people who call me REPEATEDLY and so instead of getting one message I get seven from the same person.
#11. Who gets a new finger condom? I DO! I DO! It even has little breathy holes so my finger doesn't sweat while I do paperwork :)
#12. So I got a NEW phone at work. I don't know why I am excited about a new phone - now there are two phones on my desk one right next to the other which I think is very funny. I like new things and it is prettier than my "old" phone. Unfortunately people can still leave multiple messages for me :(
Here is the link to Chad's site. Check it out! It's worth your time.
I am posting these backwards because I am having issues with my internet connection and I want to get this posted in the next 20 minutes... my apologies.#1. My baby is up WAYYYY too late but he thinks if he is cute he will get away with something. He is right. He should not be playing with his phone but SLEEPING.
#2. I love, love, love the PVR. It means when I get home late I can still watch my favorite shows and PAUSE the action when something "interesting" is on the screen!
#3. Zuva got a new collar. It is a reflective collar. She apparently has had a long day and is sleeping. Unlike me and the baby.
#4. Nyxie had an extra long day. It looks like Max got into the paint and tried to color her up. He doesn't realize Halloween is over. Poor Kitty needs a bath.
#5. It's 10:30. I am still resenting daylight savings. That means that my body thinks it is 11:30 pm.
#6. This is what is left of my Birthday Balloons. The have held their helium very well.
#7. This is a picture of an actual article from this weeks newspaper in my town(the paper gets published once a week and I just bought this weeks edition today). Front page news. "The plop hits the spot."
#9. This was sometime around 6pm? My desktop. The only thing better than P!nk is .... 4 P!nk's
#10. 9am at work. Not the best picture, I was trying to show that the red light is on. That means there is a message for me (or messages) at work. I hate seeing this little red light primarily because there are a few people who call me REPEATEDLY and so instead of getting one message I get seven from the same person.
#11. Who gets a new finger condom? I DO! I DO! It even has little breathy holes so my finger doesn't sweat while I do paperwork :) #12. So I got a NEW phone at work. I don't know why I am excited about a new phone - now there are two phones on my desk one right next to the other which I think is very funny. I like new things and it is prettier than my "old" phone. Unfortunately people can still leave multiple messages for me :(
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
disagree with me
My spouse disagrees with me that the killings at Fort Hood were an Act of Terror. We haven't really had a chance to talk about it, but disagreeing on things like this is not new to us. We have different opinions on a few things - like the death penalty.
I am looking forward to talking to her more about it to see what her perspective is. It's difficult to find someone whose opinion differs and who you can talk to about it openly. People are so very invested in their opinions that conversations can get quite heated quite quickly. Don't get me wrong, we have some pretty heated discussions ourselves, but I always enjoy hearing her perspective. When we got together (over 13 years ago now) we came up with a solution to relationship conflicts that has worked for us to this day. We just agree that I know everything and she is always right.
I am looking forward to talking to her more about it to see what her perspective is. It's difficult to find someone whose opinion differs and who you can talk to about it openly. People are so very invested in their opinions that conversations can get quite heated quite quickly. Don't get me wrong, we have some pretty heated discussions ourselves, but I always enjoy hearing her perspective. When we got together (over 13 years ago now) we came up with a solution to relationship conflicts that has worked for us to this day. We just agree that I know everything and she is always right.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
it serves me right
Yesterday I posted that I like words - now I have to eat those words - and believe me , they are NOT TASTY. In fact, I have to gag them down and it hurts me!
Today I started out the day listening (ad nauseum) to an issue being beleaguered over semantics. It took FOR EV ER. I'm pretty sure my stomach started to hurt at some point as I listened to the comments going back and forth without resolution.
Yes, I like words, but seriously folks, sometimes it is just TOOO MUCH to go back and forth and back and forth and back and forth again over removing or adding words to sentences. We take ourselves MUCH too seriously. It reminded me of a women's studies class for crying out loud.
Today I started out the day listening (ad nauseum) to an issue being beleaguered over semantics. It took FOR EV ER. I'm pretty sure my stomach started to hurt at some point as I listened to the comments going back and forth without resolution.
Yes, I like words, but seriously folks, sometimes it is just TOOO MUCH to go back and forth and back and forth and back and forth again over removing or adding words to sentences. We take ourselves MUCH too seriously. It reminded me of a women's studies class for crying out loud.
Monday, November 9, 2009
the words we use
I am fascinated by the words we use. I know. I am a bit of a geek. I simply find it interesting that words and their meanings change over time. I also find it interesting how we manipulate the meanings of words.
I have been thinking of this again recently as news reports about the shooting at Fort Hood have been coming out on various websites and news stations. The most recent report that I read, on the BBC, reported from a statement from the FBI that Major Hasan "was not involved in terrorist activities or terrorist planning."
It simply does not make any sense to me how the meaning of the word "terrorism" and "terrorist" have changed so much over the past few years. As far as I am concerned, the acts of Major Hasan were acts of terror. He created terror, a violent act intended to cause fear. Whether it was his intent when he set out to shoot people that he would cause terror or not, (how could it not have been, but I have no way of knowing what he was thinking) his act was an act of terrorism, regardless of whether the FBI believe it to be or not.
This week is remembrance day. A day set aside to reflect on those people who have given their lives for our freedom, both here and abroad. I don't pretend for one minute to have insight into the pain that of those who have lost loved ones or who have suffered themselves as they have been exposed to conflicts while representing their countries and defending freedom.
I am grateful beyond words. My gratitude will not change, no matter what words come to mean in the passage of time. I simply hope that the way we use and change the meaning of our words will not bring more pain to those who live through the terror. I hope their pain is not marginalized by our manipulation of language, and because the "FBI" said so.
I have been thinking of this again recently as news reports about the shooting at Fort Hood have been coming out on various websites and news stations. The most recent report that I read, on the BBC, reported from a statement from the FBI that Major Hasan "was not involved in terrorist activities or terrorist planning."
It simply does not make any sense to me how the meaning of the word "terrorism" and "terrorist" have changed so much over the past few years. As far as I am concerned, the acts of Major Hasan were acts of terror. He created terror, a violent act intended to cause fear. Whether it was his intent when he set out to shoot people that he would cause terror or not, (how could it not have been, but I have no way of knowing what he was thinking) his act was an act of terrorism, regardless of whether the FBI believe it to be or not.
This week is remembrance day. A day set aside to reflect on those people who have given their lives for our freedom, both here and abroad. I don't pretend for one minute to have insight into the pain that of those who have lost loved ones or who have suffered themselves as they have been exposed to conflicts while representing their countries and defending freedom.
I am grateful beyond words. My gratitude will not change, no matter what words come to mean in the passage of time. I simply hope that the way we use and change the meaning of our words will not bring more pain to those who live through the terror. I hope their pain is not marginalized by our manipulation of language, and because the "FBI" said so.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
I AM NOT A MAN!
I don't really understand why people have to categorize lesbian couples and having a "male" and a "female" component in the relationship. If there is anyone out there who can explain WHY there is a need to categorize us in this way can you call me please and let me know?
If I wanted to be a man... I suppose I would have started the process LONG ago to change my gender and I would be trying to "pass" as a man. I'm not. I haven't. I won't.
I don't want to be a man. I don't want a penis. I have NEVER wanted a penis...but I do think it is cool to be able to write your name in the snow with urine.
We took the boys to kindermusic. Shel has been taking both boys every week and it is a bit too difficult to handle both of the boys and do all of the kindermusic-ey "THINGs" that have to be done. She asked me if it were possible for me to join her. Last week I was able to leave work a little early and help her out. As I walked in the door the lady who runs the session said.. "Oh look! DAD has joined us!"
I have been told a lot of things. I've been told I'm too young to be so fat. I've been told I have too many double chins and my face wont fit in the passport picture frame. These things are annoying, but nothing tops the frustration of being called a dude. Let me just say - I have nothing against men, simply that I am not one!
If I wanted to be a man... I suppose I would have started the process LONG ago to change my gender and I would be trying to "pass" as a man. I'm not. I haven't. I won't.
I don't want to be a man. I don't want a penis. I have NEVER wanted a penis...but I do think it is cool to be able to write your name in the snow with urine.
We took the boys to kindermusic. Shel has been taking both boys every week and it is a bit too difficult to handle both of the boys and do all of the kindermusic-ey "THINGs" that have to be done. She asked me if it were possible for me to join her. Last week I was able to leave work a little early and help her out. As I walked in the door the lady who runs the session said.. "Oh look! DAD has joined us!"
I have been told a lot of things. I've been told I'm too young to be so fat. I've been told I have too many double chins and my face wont fit in the passport picture frame. These things are annoying, but nothing tops the frustration of being called a dude. Let me just say - I have nothing against men, simply that I am not one!
words
It's after 9pm and we are hanging in the living room with two kids who are overtired. We don't have this bedtime ritual worked out yet since we moved the baby out of our bedroom. We figured it was due since he was 15 months old and had been in our room since birth, but I think we are getting LESS sleep since moving him out of the room. I love these boys more than I knew was possible, but parenting does not come easily to me.
Max is balancing books and Cj is clapping and saying "yay" every time Max makes a successful pile.
Max's words are coming with a fury now it seems. The speech therapist said to only expect two words by the end of the school year and the surgery on his ears apparently didn't work so we didn't even expect to get two words from him.
His first word was "onion" and he jumped right from onion to "Hi MOM." He was saying "ma" but the speech therapist said it was too much of a sound and not enough of a word to count for anything.
Since he started school a month ago he has said "ball", tried to say "bat", said "go" and today he said "ice". we are excited about every new word he says, but he seems to be getting MORE and not LESS frustrated with his communication. Oi vey.
Max is balancing books and Cj is clapping and saying "yay" every time Max makes a successful pile.
Max's words are coming with a fury now it seems. The speech therapist said to only expect two words by the end of the school year and the surgery on his ears apparently didn't work so we didn't even expect to get two words from him.
His first word was "onion" and he jumped right from onion to "Hi MOM." He was saying "ma" but the speech therapist said it was too much of a sound and not enough of a word to count for anything.
Since he started school a month ago he has said "ball", tried to say "bat", said "go" and today he said "ice". we are excited about every new word he says, but he seems to be getting MORE and not LESS frustrated with his communication. Oi vey.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
meme
This is part 1 of a meme taken from Sunday stealing.....
1. What is the color of your toothbrush? blue and pink actually. I can't remember the last time I had a pink toothbrush before this one. I've had it less than a month.
2. Name one person who made you smile today. The actors on SNL doing a skit.
3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? In bed asleep
4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Watching a movie (ladyhawke) and playing on facebook.
5. What is your favorite candy bar? I don't have a favorite, what I choose depends on my mood. Probably Cadbury's fruit and nut more than anything else.
6. Have you ever been to a strip club? Only for a job interview
7. What is the last thing you said aloud? Only for a job interview.
8. What is your favorite ice cream? vanilla
9. What was the last thing you had to drink? coke
10. Do you like your wallet? I don't have a wallet really. I like my purse, but it is actually a pencil case, an elephant skin pencil case.
11. What was the last thing you ate? popcorn
12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? nope
13. The last sporting event you watched? UFC
14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? regular
15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to? Nikki, and I'm pretty sure she is ignoring me.
16. Ever go camping? yup
17. Do you take vitamins daily? no, but I need to
18. Do you go to church every Sunday? nope, but I did for more than 1/2 my life.
19. Do you have a tan? kinda.
20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? yes
21. Do you drink your soda with a straw? no
22. What did your last text message say? something about someone who was somewhere they shouldn't be.
23. What are you doing tomorrow? sleeping in, reading and UNFORTUNATELY for me - going to work
24.Favorite color? green
25. Look to your left, what do you see? the wall
1. What is the color of your toothbrush? blue and pink actually. I can't remember the last time I had a pink toothbrush before this one. I've had it less than a month.
2. Name one person who made you smile today. The actors on SNL doing a skit.
3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? In bed asleep
4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Watching a movie (ladyhawke) and playing on facebook.
5. What is your favorite candy bar? I don't have a favorite, what I choose depends on my mood. Probably Cadbury's fruit and nut more than anything else.
6. Have you ever been to a strip club? Only for a job interview
7. What is the last thing you said aloud? Only for a job interview.
8. What is your favorite ice cream? vanilla
9. What was the last thing you had to drink? coke
10. Do you like your wallet? I don't have a wallet really. I like my purse, but it is actually a pencil case, an elephant skin pencil case.
11. What was the last thing you ate? popcorn
12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? nope
13. The last sporting event you watched? UFC
14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? regular
15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to? Nikki, and I'm pretty sure she is ignoring me.
16. Ever go camping? yup
17. Do you take vitamins daily? no, but I need to
18. Do you go to church every Sunday? nope, but I did for more than 1/2 my life.
19. Do you have a tan? kinda.
20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? yes
21. Do you drink your soda with a straw? no
22. What did your last text message say? something about someone who was somewhere they shouldn't be.
23. What are you doing tomorrow? sleeping in, reading and UNFORTUNATELY for me - going to work
24.Favorite color? green
25. Look to your left, what do you see? the wall
machinery going ALL DAY
I am having a very indulgent day. I slept in, read a book from cover to cover, watched some UFC fights and now I am watching a movie and eating popcorn. I love this kind of a day.
all day long - from the time I woke up until long after dark I have been listening to the machinery of the farmer going over the land all around us. It has made me realize a few things... Number 1. It is very easy to become accustomed to the absolute silence out here, and to appreciate it. The noise of them working has been annoying all day and every time we let Zuva outside she barks like mad which is more annoying. She has a lot to get used to with the changing landscape and being alone.
Number 2. Whomever it is that is working the machinery in the field is a ridiculous worker. I can't imagine that the thing has a very good heater and it has not stopped going ALL day and it is cold out. The machine has literally not been turned off for a lot of hours. They obviously want to turn what was bush into viable farmland as quickly as possible and they are sparing no expense to get it ready as soon as possible and start making money off it.
Number 3. They must have a whack of money - for the time and the equipment that has been coming and going, even if they don't own this machinery they are paying a pretty penny to rent it and get the work done.
Number 4. As annoying as it is to hear them working all day, the sooner they are done the sooner we will not have to listen to it anymore and it will just be the "normal" farmer work being done in the fields.
Number 5. We REALLY need to be ready first thing in the spring to get our windbreak up as soon as possible and put some trees on our property. We will never be able to replace what was there, but we will be able to make a difference --- THAT IS OUR GOAL.
all day long - from the time I woke up until long after dark I have been listening to the machinery of the farmer going over the land all around us. It has made me realize a few things... Number 1. It is very easy to become accustomed to the absolute silence out here, and to appreciate it. The noise of them working has been annoying all day and every time we let Zuva outside she barks like mad which is more annoying. She has a lot to get used to with the changing landscape and being alone.
Number 2. Whomever it is that is working the machinery in the field is a ridiculous worker. I can't imagine that the thing has a very good heater and it has not stopped going ALL day and it is cold out. The machine has literally not been turned off for a lot of hours. They obviously want to turn what was bush into viable farmland as quickly as possible and they are sparing no expense to get it ready as soon as possible and start making money off it.
Number 3. They must have a whack of money - for the time and the equipment that has been coming and going, even if they don't own this machinery they are paying a pretty penny to rent it and get the work done.
Number 4. As annoying as it is to hear them working all day, the sooner they are done the sooner we will not have to listen to it anymore and it will just be the "normal" farmer work being done in the fields.
Number 5. We REALLY need to be ready first thing in the spring to get our windbreak up as soon as possible and put some trees on our property. We will never be able to replace what was there, but we will be able to make a difference --- THAT IS OUR GOAL.
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