Cookie Monster - C is for Cookie
It is my Birthday Week! Yeah Me! I love birthdays, your birthday, the kids birthdays, H's birthday (even though he refuses to celebrate) and just the idea of Birthdays! I really love my birthday...
So this week kicks off my birthday week! (Well two weeks really, as I have lots of loved ones who want to celebrate with me and I am not going to be around this year for my actual birthday... more about that in a moment.)
As a mostly gluten free vegan, who eats meat and noshes on goat and sheep's milk cheese, birthday cake is mostly, in my opinion, out of the question, as it resembles a mealy rock and it just don't taste like the cake I remember as a child.
I had all but given up on baked goods, at least baked goods that tasted like anything, until I met Carl, the owner of Rogue Bakery. Carl bakes cookies. I can't eat most of Carl's cookies - but you can and you should, he will drop them off at your house, crazy I know, but so crazy it is perfect. There is nothing like a fresh baked, hand delivered cookie, trust me. His cookie are creative and yummy!
Carl's birthday was this past weekend. Cool people have July birthdays. (Happy Birthday Carl!!!)
So - when I first met Carl he was carrying a large tray of amazing cookies. Cookies I couldn't eat. Carl and I were sad. Very sad.
So Carl decided to perfect the perfect me friendly chocolate cookie. It took some trial and error, but he prevailed.
Hello Chocolate Liberator!
(He also makes a spicy peanut butter cookie which is amazing. I mean super amazing.)
I can eat cookies again, really really good cookies. Gourmet, melt in your mouth, do not crumble, homemade cookies. Just like everyone else. In fact other people eat these cookies and like them and do not smile sympathetically and say things like, "well I guess it is ok, for bein gluten free..."
The Chocolate Liberator was liberating.
On Twitter I created the hashtag, #CisforCookie
And it is!
Now hold your horses, if and I am not being presumptuous, I am not asking you or even hinting that you surf on over to the website and order me birthday cookies. Although that is exactly what I did for E's friend birthday party, I ordered 3 dozen cookies, because they are way less messy than cupcakes, but that is a different matter all together. But back to me and my birthday, if you were to be so motivated, to order me some yummy, yummy Rogue Bakery cookies, I would be hard pressed to refuse them and likely would send you an electronic or hand written thank you note, but said cookies should not arrive until middle of next week. (like after the 18th...)
My birthday is always hot. Mid-July in Ohio is always warm to over warm. One year, when I was L's age my mother made me a cake and it melted, the frosting just plain melted and the top layer of the cake slide clean off the lower layer.
When I turned 17, in Germany, it was very cool. We ate cake and celebrated on my host family's terrace. It was lovely. I think I might have actually worn long pants. We ate a gooseberry and strawberry short cake. Yumm-o!
That year Germany was in the World Cup for Soccer. The final match was played around the 4th of July. I remember being in Bavaria on a trip and we were eating Chinese, in Germany, on the 4th of July and given the win, there were fireworks. It made me less homesick. My brother still has the T-shirt I got him commemorating the win.
Now why, you might be asking yourself is she talking about birthdays and cookies and then goes off on a tangent, about birthdays overseas. Has she lost her mind? (And no I am not that old yet!)
Long and short of it, the reason there will be about two weeks of my birthday this year, is I will be away, we take vacation when the airline says we can and it happens to be the week of my birthday. (Last year it was the week of L's birthday, what can I say, the airline has no regard for our birthdays.)
If you want to know where we went, check back next week for the big reveal. Until then, I highly suggest you go check out the Rogue Bakery website - because Cookie Monster is right - C is for Cookie that is good for me!!!
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Music Monday: I can ride my bike with no handle bars
well not really.
I did take a great bike ride Friday, the first of the season. Went with a friend who is new to town and I was showing her the trails which wind through my area.
This song is one of E's all time favorites. When it first hit the airwaves, I think he was around 3 years old and he had shown us no signs of being music obsessed the way his sister was from birth. When L was a baby she refused to sleep without her CD playing. (Now she refuses to sleep with the CD playing.) E as a baby refused to sleep with a CD playing, now he refuses to go to sleep without his music.
I digressed. So one day sitting in traffic, this song comes on the radio and I hear his little voice, singing along to the song. Later, I would hear him playing with his toys, humming or singing the refrain to this song.
We generally bike a good bit in the summer. This summer I think will be the first summer we will not make use of the Burley baby carrier for the bikes. I suspect E will ride the bike attached to mine or will finally be ready to go under his own steam. (One can hope.)
Today my friend and I took a tour around the area and then checked out the O’Shaughnessy Dam. There is a new park and observation area. The heavy and sustained rains have filled the rivers and the water flowing over the dam was nothing short of awe inspiring. So much water.
We watched some cranes cruising the area, saw a lone Canadian Goose swoop overhead and then watched some small birds, maybe sparrows, race and chase and come very close to being swept away. With it being spring and all, they seemed rather amorous, and sadly, the joy of spring led to the death of one of the birds, I think. In all their flapping and dancing and picking what has to be one of the most dangerous spots to mate, one little bird appeared to be swept away by the rushing water.
Such is life I suppose.
Friday started out grey and raw but the afternoon gave way to some beautiful sun and crystal blue skies. It really was a wonderful day to break back into biking again.
And just in case anyone wondered - yes I can ride my bike without holding on to the handle bars BUT I am of an age to know that it is best I hold onto the handle bars.
(Flobots)
This song is one of E's all time favorites. When it first hit the airwaves, I think he was around 3 years old and he had shown us no signs of being music obsessed the way his sister was from birth. When L was a baby she refused to sleep without her CD playing. (Now she refuses to sleep with the CD playing.) E as a baby refused to sleep with a CD playing, now he refuses to go to sleep without his music.
I digressed. So one day sitting in traffic, this song comes on the radio and I hear his little voice, singing along to the song. Later, I would hear him playing with his toys, humming or singing the refrain to this song.
We generally bike a good bit in the summer. This summer I think will be the first summer we will not make use of the Burley baby carrier for the bikes. I suspect E will ride the bike attached to mine or will finally be ready to go under his own steam. (One can hope.)
Today my friend and I took a tour around the area and then checked out the O’Shaughnessy Dam. There is a new park and observation area. The heavy and sustained rains have filled the rivers and the water flowing over the dam was nothing short of awe inspiring. So much water.
Such is life I suppose.
Friday started out grey and raw but the afternoon gave way to some beautiful sun and crystal blue skies. It really was a wonderful day to break back into biking again.
And just in case anyone wondered - yes I can ride my bike without holding on to the handle bars BUT I am of an age to know that it is best I hold onto the handle bars.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
SPAM is canned meat
In American studies 201, our Prof, Prof Martha gave us an assignment. She brought in these cans, gift wrapped and made us write about them. They were cans of SPAM. I was a practicing vegetarian then and was totally grossed out. Needless to say I did not eat it as part of the assignment. Knowing me I donated to the local food pantry or a friend who would eat it. Ugh! I can safely say, I have never and hope to never have to eat SPAM. I am thinking it can't possibly be gluten free.
Canned meat is not the topic of this post.
I have been thinking and writing a good deal about SPAM. Wanna see what else I have written? Go here.
I think the idea of SPAM email is fascinating. I just do. Recently I posted this to Twitter - which feeds my facebook...
Which gardener this comment from a friend:
And I replied:
Now my friend was teasing me and I was tongue in cheek responding, well kind of, I was serious.
I know SPAMMERS are trying to make a buck. But how in this case. How do they benefit from sending me a virus laden email, pretending to be UPS. Brown knows where my package is thank you Ms. Osma from Odessa. Brown also knows how to contact me, and frankly their English is impeccable...
Once while visiting my very good friend in Boston, SS and I took the T to Feline's. It was a decent ride. At the stop after we got on, three homeless people got on the train. Two middle aged men and an older woman. Clearly they were homeless. I am going to go with mental ill and/or struggling with substance abuse issues also.
They were hatching some kind of plan for the day for the balance of the ride. It was fascinating. In another context, in a perfect world, in suits, around a board room table these three could have ruled the world. Donald Trump cannot negotiate as well as these three. I remember being in awe of their attention to detail, their carefully constructed back up plans, evaluations of alternatives and barriers to execution.
It was an example of good business sense at its finest.
Yesterday while snowboarding with friends, I was noting that I thought the resort had not known about the school holiday and had failed to staff accordingly and that would hurt business, that good businesses know about events in the community and plan accordingly. My friend, a small business owner himself, chuckled and said, "You just can't turn it off, always thinking with the business half of your brain."
Well yes actually.
I think that is what has be so intrigued by the Vicodin SPAM and the fake UPS spam messages. The drugs I get, if you are running a bootleg pharmacy company, I can see SPAM being a viable marketing ploy, although fairly risky. Most drug dealers try to operate with a modicum of discretion. You may know which corner they are on, but it is word of mouth marketing and I can tell you there are no signs advertising why they are milling around on the corner. Vicodin email sort of makes the DEAs job that much easier I should think.
With the UPS spam it is anyone's guess I think. My anti virus software jumped on those emails like stink on a skunk. What possible economic incentive is there to sending me a virus and making my computer stop working. I cannot visit your bootleg sites if I am unable to connect to the Internet. Seriously. I doubt these folks with bad spelling but creative minds are working for the local computer repair shop. That folks makes some economic sense though, it is illegal but it makes sense to me and my MBA brain. I suppose sending me a snooping virus might make sense, but really if the virus mucks with my machine, it is not going last long, it will be found and then I am not working on the computer. As a freelance writer, that messes with my productivity and makes it less likely for me to visit your pay per click site...
What I find amazing is these folks have a handle on the business model, for the most part. They get marketing and they have an idea how the Internet works. Why not apply it to a legitimate business and work the hell out of it? Like the group on the train. They had a handle on the business model and I have no doubt that they executed their plan. I think their survival depended on it actually. It was a cold and snowy day. They had little room for miscues. So I ask the SPAMMERs out there, "Why not take this knowledge you have and apply it to a legitimate business. You have skills and creativity and that is half the battle."
I would love to have coffee with a SPAMMER. My MBA brain just cannot figure it out. In business the exchange or the balanced equation is easy - it is a trade for something of economic value... I have X and you want X and you have Y and I will exchange X for Y, it is that easy. Really, it is... it works - it has worked for years...
Canned meat is not the topic of this post.
I have been thinking and writing a good deal about SPAM. Wanna see what else I have written? Go here.
I think the idea of SPAM email is fascinating. I just do. Recently I posted this to Twitter - which feeds my facebook...
I should like to meet some Spammers to better understand what their overall goals are. I have been getting some rather inventive UPS spam.
Which gardener this comment from a friend:
The goal is to separate you from your money. How about you give me a hundred bucks and we call it even.
And I replied:
See therein lies the problem, generally in commerce the exchange is based on a good or service of value. Where pray tell is the value here?!? ;)
Now my friend was teasing me and I was tongue in cheek responding, well kind of, I was serious.
I know SPAMMERS are trying to make a buck. But how in this case. How do they benefit from sending me a virus laden email, pretending to be UPS. Brown knows where my package is thank you Ms. Osma from Odessa. Brown also knows how to contact me, and frankly their English is impeccable...
Once while visiting my very good friend in Boston, SS and I took the T to Feline's. It was a decent ride. At the stop after we got on, three homeless people got on the train. Two middle aged men and an older woman. Clearly they were homeless. I am going to go with mental ill and/or struggling with substance abuse issues also.
They were hatching some kind of plan for the day for the balance of the ride. It was fascinating. In another context, in a perfect world, in suits, around a board room table these three could have ruled the world. Donald Trump cannot negotiate as well as these three. I remember being in awe of their attention to detail, their carefully constructed back up plans, evaluations of alternatives and barriers to execution.
It was an example of good business sense at its finest.
Yesterday while snowboarding with friends, I was noting that I thought the resort had not known about the school holiday and had failed to staff accordingly and that would hurt business, that good businesses know about events in the community and plan accordingly. My friend, a small business owner himself, chuckled and said, "You just can't turn it off, always thinking with the business half of your brain."
Well yes actually.
I think that is what has be so intrigued by the Vicodin SPAM and the fake UPS spam messages. The drugs I get, if you are running a bootleg pharmacy company, I can see SPAM being a viable marketing ploy, although fairly risky. Most drug dealers try to operate with a modicum of discretion. You may know which corner they are on, but it is word of mouth marketing and I can tell you there are no signs advertising why they are milling around on the corner. Vicodin email sort of makes the DEAs job that much easier I should think.
With the UPS spam it is anyone's guess I think. My anti virus software jumped on those emails like stink on a skunk. What possible economic incentive is there to sending me a virus and making my computer stop working. I cannot visit your bootleg sites if I am unable to connect to the Internet. Seriously. I doubt these folks with bad spelling but creative minds are working for the local computer repair shop. That folks makes some economic sense though, it is illegal but it makes sense to me and my MBA brain. I suppose sending me a snooping virus might make sense, but really if the virus mucks with my machine, it is not going last long, it will be found and then I am not working on the computer. As a freelance writer, that messes with my productivity and makes it less likely for me to visit your pay per click site...
What I find amazing is these folks have a handle on the business model, for the most part. They get marketing and they have an idea how the Internet works. Why not apply it to a legitimate business and work the hell out of it? Like the group on the train. They had a handle on the business model and I have no doubt that they executed their plan. I think their survival depended on it actually. It was a cold and snowy day. They had little room for miscues. So I ask the SPAMMERs out there, "Why not take this knowledge you have and apply it to a legitimate business. You have skills and creativity and that is half the battle."
I would love to have coffee with a SPAMMER. My MBA brain just cannot figure it out. In business the exchange or the balanced equation is easy - it is a trade for something of economic value... I have X and you want X and you have Y and I will exchange X for Y, it is that easy. Really, it is... it works - it has worked for years...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Chai for Me
I love Chai or as the Indian restaurant by me calls it "Special Tea." But the milk really is a no no and sometimes I indulge, I really should not. At Christmas my friend A came over and brought her Chai kit and made me Chai and I saw how easy it was and thought, mmm maybe I can do this.
So I treked over to the Indian Market and bought the loose black tea, masala (spice blend - I bought 2 - one designed for tea and the other for a curry dish and I have to say I like the one for curry better - it is zippy and hey it is my cup of chai.)
I made it a few times with half and half and yeah buddy that is good stuff. Then I tried to make it me appropriate. After a few tries, I think I like it made with plain rice milk or unsweeten Almond Breeze best. (I add my own sugar to the brew.)
So the general recipe for one large mug full is as follows -
1 tsp of loose black tea
1 tsp masala
1-2 slices fresh ginger, cubed
1-2 Tbs sugar
1.5 c water
1c Rice milk or Almond Milk (to taste)
Use a metal - non reactive pot.
Heat water in pot over medium heat. Add tea and masala and stir. Toss in the fresh ginger and bring just to boil. (3-5 minutes) Then stir in the sugar to taste and then the milk or milk alternative. Heat for about 2-3 more minutes.
Pour thru strainer into mug. Enjoy!
It really is good and satisfying. This makes enough for two smaller mugs or one large mug. Adjust the spices and tea depending on your taste, but this is the guide I use.
So I treked over to the Indian Market and bought the loose black tea, masala (spice blend - I bought 2 - one designed for tea and the other for a curry dish and I have to say I like the one for curry better - it is zippy and hey it is my cup of chai.)
I made it a few times with half and half and yeah buddy that is good stuff. Then I tried to make it me appropriate. After a few tries, I think I like it made with plain rice milk or unsweeten Almond Breeze best. (I add my own sugar to the brew.)
So the general recipe for one large mug full is as follows -
1 tsp of loose black tea
1 tsp masala
1-2 slices fresh ginger, cubed
1-2 Tbs sugar
1.5 c water
1c Rice milk or Almond Milk (to taste)
Use a metal - non reactive pot.
Heat water in pot over medium heat. Add tea and masala and stir. Toss in the fresh ginger and bring just to boil. (3-5 minutes) Then stir in the sugar to taste and then the milk or milk alternative. Heat for about 2-3 more minutes.
Pour thru strainer into mug. Enjoy!
It really is good and satisfying. This makes enough for two smaller mugs or one large mug. Adjust the spices and tea depending on your taste, but this is the guide I use.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Hang 10
Ten years ago today - a Saturday - I was dressed in jeans and H's flannel shirt, my chin length light blond/brown hair in hot rollers - H's boots on - and I was.... shoveling the driveway! It was my wedding day. We had had a winter storm like none other. We had canceled the rehearsal and had pizza with our friends in the living room of our tiny house. Now I was shoveling so we could get out of the drive and make our way to the church.
J and her husband. H's mom had come from Cleveland with J and her husband.S in from Maine. In on the last flight into CMH I think. A few other friends at our house for the rehearsal. My mom and bro stayed safe and warm on the other side of town. No need to risk the 30 minute drive in the ice and snow. JS called, she and her husband were stuck in Maryland, the interstate was closed.
So there I was, shoveling the drive way. Having lived with H for well over 2 years at this point, bought a house and car together, I decided to get traditional and make him sleep in a hotel and not see me until I walked down the eile all dressed in white.
When H gave me the ruby circled in diamonds, he promised me a life of adventure. He promised to love me and walk beside me. And here we are 10 years later. So much has changed. And here we are - together...
We have had two babies and lost one. We have added friends to our circle, kept many and some have drifted off - no longer in close contact but never far from our thoughts. We have traveled near and far. We have each changed careers. Both living our passion and pursuing our dreams.
Sadly we have buried his mother. We stood by her in her struggle and gave her what she wanted. She wanted to be in her own bed when she passed onto the other side and we did that for her as a team.
We have been at a crossroads and to the edge a few times. But each time we have grabbed the others hand and made the choice to change course together - it has been an adventure. No day like the day before.
We have both grown up and changed and struggled.
It is hard to believe that the sweet goofy guy, who was knocking on my dorm door freshman year, to see my roommate is now the man I kiss good-bye as he leaves to fly a multi million dollar airliner and I am sure he never imagined that the shy and bookish girl who answered the door and politely told him her roommate was not in, would be the woman who is writing professionally now and dreaming of one day seeing her book in Barnes and Noble. Who is presiding over the house.
I am sure he would tell that he anticipated my scary food issues. Afterall I am the woman, who when we met and ate together in the dinning hall, who ate only things out of bowls. I will never forget the day he asked me in all seriousness, "Do you ever eat anything off a plate?"
It has been an adventure. It is an adventure. I hope it remains forever an adventure.
We got married the day after a HUGE snow storm. The snow plows where plowing the run ways at our wedding reception - I have pictures. But as with any storm, the sun rises again and there is true beauty to be beheld. (We are going away together this weekend and yep you guest it - forecast - Wintery mix with possibility for 3 to 5 inches of snow...)
Nothing could be more true. We have had hard times. The edge can be scary, but each time we have turned to each other and smiled and there is the sunny day. Sometimes our storms have been fiercy but then the sunny day comes with its brightness and there is peace and tranquility and great beauty.
I will not even presume to predict what the next years hold... other than to say that it will be an adventure - just like he promised.
J and her husband. H's mom had come from Cleveland with J and her husband.S in from Maine. In on the last flight into CMH I think. A few other friends at our house for the rehearsal. My mom and bro stayed safe and warm on the other side of town. No need to risk the 30 minute drive in the ice and snow. JS called, she and her husband were stuck in Maryland, the interstate was closed.
So there I was, shoveling the drive way. Having lived with H for well over 2 years at this point, bought a house and car together, I decided to get traditional and make him sleep in a hotel and not see me until I walked down the eile all dressed in white.
When H gave me the ruby circled in diamonds, he promised me a life of adventure. He promised to love me and walk beside me. And here we are 10 years later. So much has changed. And here we are - together...
We have had two babies and lost one. We have added friends to our circle, kept many and some have drifted off - no longer in close contact but never far from our thoughts. We have traveled near and far. We have each changed careers. Both living our passion and pursuing our dreams.
Sadly we have buried his mother. We stood by her in her struggle and gave her what she wanted. She wanted to be in her own bed when she passed onto the other side and we did that for her as a team.
We have been at a crossroads and to the edge a few times. But each time we have grabbed the others hand and made the choice to change course together - it has been an adventure. No day like the day before.
We have both grown up and changed and struggled.
It is hard to believe that the sweet goofy guy, who was knocking on my dorm door freshman year, to see my roommate is now the man I kiss good-bye as he leaves to fly a multi million dollar airliner and I am sure he never imagined that the shy and bookish girl who answered the door and politely told him her roommate was not in, would be the woman who is writing professionally now and dreaming of one day seeing her book in Barnes and Noble. Who is presiding over the house.
I am sure he would tell that he anticipated my scary food issues. Afterall I am the woman, who when we met and ate together in the dinning hall, who ate only things out of bowls. I will never forget the day he asked me in all seriousness, "Do you ever eat anything off a plate?"
It has been an adventure. It is an adventure. I hope it remains forever an adventure.
We got married the day after a HUGE snow storm. The snow plows where plowing the run ways at our wedding reception - I have pictures. But as with any storm, the sun rises again and there is true beauty to be beheld. (We are going away together this weekend and yep you guest it - forecast - Wintery mix with possibility for 3 to 5 inches of snow...)
Nothing could be more true. We have had hard times. The edge can be scary, but each time we have turned to each other and smiled and there is the sunny day. Sometimes our storms have been fiercy but then the sunny day comes with its brightness and there is peace and tranquility and great beauty.
I will not even presume to predict what the next years hold... other than to say that it will be an adventure - just like he promised.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Pictures
While I have a talent for the written word, I am not very crafty, nor can I draw very well, and I thinking I should just not sing... But I have a great appreciation for all of the above. My dad sent me these pictures. He got them from a buddy - so I have no background info, but I gather the gentleman in the picture draws 3D pictures using sidewalk chalk.
I struggle with flowers and hearts using sidewalk chalk. These are true masterpieces.
This one is for JS...
This one really very cool....
This is struck me as special...
I struggle with flowers and hearts using sidewalk chalk. These are true masterpieces.
This one is for JS...
This one really very cool....
This is struck me as special...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Marriage is a social contract
I am going to come out and talk about another unpopular subject. Marriage. I think this country is facing some HUGE HUGE HUGE issues and marriage is one of them.
Some people in this country are rather vocal about Marriage being between one man and one woman and all about LOVE. Really? Let's examine this.
Marriage gets me a break on my taxes and my health benefits. It gets me certain rights, specifically if my partner dies. I get tax advantages when inheriting my partner's personal property. Marriage means I can own property with my partner in a special married persons sort of way. The tax advantages tied to marriage are huge. The distribution of wealth in the marriage contract are rather advantageous.
Marriage means my children have certain advantages - specifically where property and their financial care is concerned. It also affords them certain protections and customs for their care - should the partnership dissolve.
Marriage means that my life partner can make certain choices for me or will be afforded certain courtesies should I be ill and in the hospital.
Marriage used to mean - that I was property. That I was no longer my fathers financial burden but rather my husbands.
In many cases I would be the "prize" to seal a land swap or some other deal worked out by the men in power.
Is anyone detecting a pattern here?
Marriage is and historically was about money and legal rights. We as a cultural have dressed it up to be about love. Sure maybe it is. In our culture it is a blend of all of the above. In many cultures around the world it is about property, marriages are arranged and are not "love matches" there is an air of practicality.
I fully support "gay marriage." I think that a culture is strengthen by stable unions. If we are going to afford all these "rights" to married people - then everyone should have the right to pair off as they see fit.
If marriage is going to be about a man and a woman being in love - then nix the special tax benefits and make it about love and all that who-haw.
It should not be about both. It should not be exclusive. A union that combines should not simultaneously exclude others from certain rights.
Taxes are a function of government and Marriage can either be a function of government (social contract) or a function of love or a function of the religious right.
It matters not to me - as long as the playing field is equal and fair.
Are my gay friends no more or less in love and no more or less committed that H and I? Who am I to judge? Who is the religious right? Or defenders of marriage?
If anyone for a minute thinks that the weddings and marriages in the Biblical times had solely to do with LOVE, they need to think again. It was legalized slavery. Women were bought and sold - dressed up as marriage. It was about money and property and getting one more mouth out of the tent and into someone else's tent. Could Love happen? Sure. But it was not about love - it was about money and the clan and honor and it was all about MEN! As an aside - in many biblical cultures - men had more than one wife! Kinda makes the one man and one woman thing seem like a newer concept now doesn't it.
I would also humbly submit that families are best built by free choice and that LOVE comes in all forms and is splendid.
Taxes advantages and wealth distribution should not be tied to a social contract available to a select group. Where is the democracy in that?
Some people in this country are rather vocal about Marriage being between one man and one woman and all about LOVE. Really? Let's examine this.
Marriage gets me a break on my taxes and my health benefits. It gets me certain rights, specifically if my partner dies. I get tax advantages when inheriting my partner's personal property. Marriage means I can own property with my partner in a special married persons sort of way. The tax advantages tied to marriage are huge. The distribution of wealth in the marriage contract are rather advantageous.
Marriage means my children have certain advantages - specifically where property and their financial care is concerned. It also affords them certain protections and customs for their care - should the partnership dissolve.
Marriage means that my life partner can make certain choices for me or will be afforded certain courtesies should I be ill and in the hospital.
Marriage used to mean - that I was property. That I was no longer my fathers financial burden but rather my husbands.
In many cases I would be the "prize" to seal a land swap or some other deal worked out by the men in power.
Is anyone detecting a pattern here?
Marriage is and historically was about money and legal rights. We as a cultural have dressed it up to be about love. Sure maybe it is. In our culture it is a blend of all of the above. In many cultures around the world it is about property, marriages are arranged and are not "love matches" there is an air of practicality.
I fully support "gay marriage." I think that a culture is strengthen by stable unions. If we are going to afford all these "rights" to married people - then everyone should have the right to pair off as they see fit.
If marriage is going to be about a man and a woman being in love - then nix the special tax benefits and make it about love and all that who-haw.
It should not be about both. It should not be exclusive. A union that combines should not simultaneously exclude others from certain rights.
Taxes are a function of government and Marriage can either be a function of government (social contract) or a function of love or a function of the religious right.
It matters not to me - as long as the playing field is equal and fair.
Are my gay friends no more or less in love and no more or less committed that H and I? Who am I to judge? Who is the religious right? Or defenders of marriage?
If anyone for a minute thinks that the weddings and marriages in the Biblical times had solely to do with LOVE, they need to think again. It was legalized slavery. Women were bought and sold - dressed up as marriage. It was about money and property and getting one more mouth out of the tent and into someone else's tent. Could Love happen? Sure. But it was not about love - it was about money and the clan and honor and it was all about MEN! As an aside - in many biblical cultures - men had more than one wife! Kinda makes the one man and one woman thing seem like a newer concept now doesn't it.
I would also humbly submit that families are best built by free choice and that LOVE comes in all forms and is splendid.
Taxes advantages and wealth distribution should not be tied to a social contract available to a select group. Where is the democracy in that?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Going...
I have had a great summer, a challenging summer, a complicated summer, a busy summer. Any of those statements is true - the reality is I have had a great challenging complicated busy summer.
True on many levels. As a mom of 2 busy kiddos - busy and great.
As a business owner - challenging and complicated.
As an artist - busy and great and challenging.
As a woman - all of the above and then some.
Sometimes I get lost in the process of my life. I am surrounded by needy (I do not mean this negatively) folks. L and E need me. My mother has and is undergoing 2 great life changes - moving (done - check - yipee) and she is coping with the fact that here time on this earth has a reasonably finite end. Cancer is curable - hers is not.
I am coping with that also. As her daughter....
I also tend to put everyone else first. I have gotten lost. What do I want exactly? Where am I going. What are my goals. I want my business to do well, but that is a slow process. I have been very focused on setting it up - creating a frame work, building some creditability and now the 4th quarter I am starting to pursue projects once again.
I have thrown my hat into the ring to step out of my previous professional role and try something new - leveraging many of the skills I had from my previous position(s) in a new and different way. It would be a contract position and I like the idea of a short term position - a great way to test something out and add something to my resume.
I also like the idea of versatility. I like the idea of economic flexibility. I crave options.
I have also taken a HUGE step and am going to finish my MBA. I can do it in less than a year. A series of 10 6 week classes - taken one at time and online. Perfect for me. No babysitting required.
There has been a series of events which have pushed me to break out of my holding pattern and finally take back the helm of my own ship. I am the Capitian and the Mistress of my Destiny and it is up to me to LIVE my life.
My best friend said it best...
It was the kick in the pants I really needed. I had been sulky and struggling and feeling cornered a bit and overwhelmed too I guess. And yet it is an easy choice - live life or pretend to live life. Develop a plan and execute it or not...
While I think I will be one busy girl over the next 12 months... I feel very positive about it. It is what I need to do get to the NEXT chapter in my life.
True on many levels. As a mom of 2 busy kiddos - busy and great.
As a business owner - challenging and complicated.
As an artist - busy and great and challenging.
As a woman - all of the above and then some.
Sometimes I get lost in the process of my life. I am surrounded by needy (I do not mean this negatively) folks. L and E need me. My mother has and is undergoing 2 great life changes - moving (done - check - yipee) and she is coping with the fact that here time on this earth has a reasonably finite end. Cancer is curable - hers is not.
I am coping with that also. As her daughter....
I also tend to put everyone else first. I have gotten lost. What do I want exactly? Where am I going. What are my goals. I want my business to do well, but that is a slow process. I have been very focused on setting it up - creating a frame work, building some creditability and now the 4th quarter I am starting to pursue projects once again.
I have thrown my hat into the ring to step out of my previous professional role and try something new - leveraging many of the skills I had from my previous position(s) in a new and different way. It would be a contract position and I like the idea of a short term position - a great way to test something out and add something to my resume.
I also like the idea of versatility. I like the idea of economic flexibility. I crave options.
I have also taken a HUGE step and am going to finish my MBA. I can do it in less than a year. A series of 10 6 week classes - taken one at time and online. Perfect for me. No babysitting required.
There has been a series of events which have pushed me to break out of my holding pattern and finally take back the helm of my own ship. I am the Capitian and the Mistress of my Destiny and it is up to me to LIVE my life.
My best friend said it best...
"And I quote....from YOUR BLOG: "Life is really short. I mean really short. When great moments come along - Live them, because once they pass you by - they are gone forever."
Why only live the great moments....aren't all moments meant to be lived to their fullest?! I'm just saying, take your own advice and make all the moments worth living however you need to do so. "
It was the kick in the pants I really needed. I had been sulky and struggling and feeling cornered a bit and overwhelmed too I guess. And yet it is an easy choice - live life or pretend to live life. Develop a plan and execute it or not...
While I think I will be one busy girl over the next 12 months... I feel very positive about it. It is what I need to do get to the NEXT chapter in my life.
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Universe Smilied
So yesterday was the first day in a long long time that I worked almost all day. Well from 10-2:30 pm on my business. This had been the plan when we put E in preschool all day, but alas this entire summer, something else happened on either Tuesday or Thursday. I am not really looking for an entire 8 hours - I will take 5 or 6 hours of uninterrupted work time.
I also took some time to work on some personal admin items and this included poking around for better accommodations whilst on vacation, which is 3 weeks away.
We are heading on vacation with my mother on the emphatic advice of both her doctors. We are going to Jekyll Island which is an island off the coast of Georgia, roughly the size of the Short North. Given the late nature of our planning we had secured two very small rooms at the Days Inn.
Now there are a number of problems with this. No kitchen and given my food issues, I cannot just eat anything. I have been obsessing over this for weeks. Size. Two small children stuck in a small hotel room - sounds more like hell than vacation. Noise - there is a large convention there that week and the Days Inn, we stayed at before and well noise was a serious problem.
So I have been meaning to call the two Island rental agencies to see about a condo or cottage, but well I have not had the time or I have had the time and they are closed for the day.
I called yesterday. The first one had nothing. I mean nothing. My heart sank a bit.
I called the second one.
They had one. Not just one. One of the nicest houses on the island. It is on the beach. It has exactly what need - including a kitchen and WiFi (ok I do not need WiFi - but I sure as hell like the fact that I have it....) it has 5 bedrooms (way too many but I will take too many over not enough.)
It is a bit pricey, but if what the doctors say is true - this may be one of the last vacations we can all take together. I want it to be full of happy memories and happy times and I want it to peaceful and rejuvenating. It has been a long summer for my mother. She has moved, she has been told that the cancer everyone in the beginning thought was no BIG DEAL. Is in fact a HUGE DEAL.
My best friends J's dad died yesterday. Her mother died a few years ago - Life is really short. I mean really short. When great moments come along - Live them, becasue once they pass you by - they are gone forever.
We took the house. I am excited for the kids to have space to roam. The adults to have space to be and think and rest. Ocean view and ocean noise.
I am sure there will be tense moments - there always are when little people and big people get out of their element - but I feel way better about have room for tense to diffuse!
I am so thankful for having the time to call at the RIGHT time and finding what I want wanted. Feels like someone was looking out for me!
I also took some time to work on some personal admin items and this included poking around for better accommodations whilst on vacation, which is 3 weeks away.
We are heading on vacation with my mother on the emphatic advice of both her doctors. We are going to Jekyll Island which is an island off the coast of Georgia, roughly the size of the Short North. Given the late nature of our planning we had secured two very small rooms at the Days Inn.
Now there are a number of problems with this. No kitchen and given my food issues, I cannot just eat anything. I have been obsessing over this for weeks. Size. Two small children stuck in a small hotel room - sounds more like hell than vacation. Noise - there is a large convention there that week and the Days Inn, we stayed at before and well noise was a serious problem.
So I have been meaning to call the two Island rental agencies to see about a condo or cottage, but well I have not had the time or I have had the time and they are closed for the day.
I called yesterday. The first one had nothing. I mean nothing. My heart sank a bit.
I called the second one.
They had one. Not just one. One of the nicest houses on the island. It is on the beach. It has exactly what need - including a kitchen and WiFi (ok I do not need WiFi - but I sure as hell like the fact that I have it....) it has 5 bedrooms (way too many but I will take too many over not enough.)
It is a bit pricey, but if what the doctors say is true - this may be one of the last vacations we can all take together. I want it to be full of happy memories and happy times and I want it to peaceful and rejuvenating. It has been a long summer for my mother. She has moved, she has been told that the cancer everyone in the beginning thought was no BIG DEAL. Is in fact a HUGE DEAL.
My best friends J's dad died yesterday. Her mother died a few years ago - Life is really short. I mean really short. When great moments come along - Live them, becasue once they pass you by - they are gone forever.
We took the house. I am excited for the kids to have space to roam. The adults to have space to be and think and rest. Ocean view and ocean noise.
I am sure there will be tense moments - there always are when little people and big people get out of their element - but I feel way better about have room for tense to diffuse!
I am so thankful for having the time to call at the RIGHT time and finding what I want wanted. Feels like someone was looking out for me!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
If it is broken - why not just fix it?
A friend sent me this joke:
First off - I think it is very funny and on the other hand - sadly all too true! In a previous post I suggested we need to do something radical. There is no reason that we need to stick with the same old same old - there is no law, no rule and if there is - then I say we throw it out and start something new. THE CURRENT TWO PARTY SYSTEM IS BROKEN! It is not working. It is like a bad marriage crying out for divorce or some serious and in depth counseling. The constant in fighting and all is counter productive and WASTE of everyone's time.
Isn't it sad that in the world larges democracy - it is once again a choice of not who is the best for the job - but the lesser of two evils at worst and at best the only one willing to stick it out. I happen to like aspects of both McCain and Obama - but by the end of the 5 month campaign of in fighting and finger pointing and media circus - I will want to hang myself more than cast my vote.
This is my rallying cry - Can the spin and sit down and DO SOMETHING DAMN IT! We have real problems and NO ONE CURRENTLY IN POWER is doing anything - other than finger pointing or shoving their head up their ass!
We need a 3rd party or a 4th and we need someone to final admit out loud - that the system is broken and needs fixed. It worked during the horse and buggy era but we are in the modern age and we need to shake it up and get with the program!
Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Mc Cain were flying to a debate.
Barack looked at Hillary, Chuckled and said, 'You know I could throw a $1,000 bill out of the window right now and make somebody very happy.'
Hillary shrugged her shoulders and replied, 'I could throw ten $100 bills out of the window and make ten people very happy.'
John added, 'That being the case, I could throw one hundred $10 bills out of the window and make a hundred people very happy.'
Hearing their exchange, the pilot rolled his eyes and said to his copilot, 'Such big-shots back there. I could throw all three of them out of the window and make 156 million people very happy.'
I'm voting for the Pilot.
First off - I think it is very funny and on the other hand - sadly all too true! In a previous post I suggested we need to do something radical. There is no reason that we need to stick with the same old same old - there is no law, no rule and if there is - then I say we throw it out and start something new. THE CURRENT TWO PARTY SYSTEM IS BROKEN! It is not working. It is like a bad marriage crying out for divorce or some serious and in depth counseling. The constant in fighting and all is counter productive and WASTE of everyone's time.
Isn't it sad that in the world larges democracy - it is once again a choice of not who is the best for the job - but the lesser of two evils at worst and at best the only one willing to stick it out. I happen to like aspects of both McCain and Obama - but by the end of the 5 month campaign of in fighting and finger pointing and media circus - I will want to hang myself more than cast my vote.
This is my rallying cry - Can the spin and sit down and DO SOMETHING DAMN IT! We have real problems and NO ONE CURRENTLY IN POWER is doing anything - other than finger pointing or shoving their head up their ass!
We need a 3rd party or a 4th and we need someone to final admit out loud - that the system is broken and needs fixed. It worked during the horse and buggy era but we are in the modern age and we need to shake it up and get with the program!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
13 Great things about my trip to Baton Rouge
1. I got to see my good friend N and L & E got to play with J & J. We have not seen each other since they moved about 18 months ago. Which was too long - but we picked up right where we left off and I just enjoyed seeing them and their new home so very much!
2. The weather! It was lovely the entire week. A bit cool a few mornings - but the sun was out every day and the N is right - the sky this time of year in Baton Rouge is an amazing shade of blue. The clouds were puff white and it was perfect. It is has been almost 6 months of very cold and gray at home and I reveled in the warmth and sun. I will however note: On Sunday it was very warm very early in the morning and it was humid and I can totally - totally see why the summer is oppressive on Baton Rouge.
3. Crawfish. Ok they are serious good eating. Yum-O! We had them for dinner the first night in Baton Rogue and they rock. They are boiled and then you break the tail away from the body and eat the tail meat and then suck the fat and juice out of the head. It was spicy and messy and flavorful and I loved every single bite. N's husband is a native Louisianan and he knows all about the crawfish and was so glad that we enjoyed the treat. Now is the season and they are plentiful. We also bought them at this fish market which was a fun experience - with the life catfish tank and all sorts of fish and shrimp. I will also own up to a moment of sheer denseness. Typically you boil the crawfish with corn and tatters. So we got home and N put a small pot on the stove and began to boil water. Now we had bought 10 pounds of crawfish. They were not going to fit in the pot. I was perplexed. So I asked about that and N laughed and said, well they are cooked already. Didn't you smell them in the car? Duh! They had smelled so good in the car as we drove home - they were all ready cooked!
4. Alligator Bayou. This swamp tour is a great experience and wonderful learning opportunity for everyone - young and old. It lasts about 3 hours and it is a great way to learn about alligators and the swamp and the eco-system. Also as we were coming back towards the lodge - I got great pictures of the sunset. The nature is breathtaking and it is sad that so much of the swamp is disappearing. It is a great harmony of nature and home to so many creatures. It was well worth the price of admission and I would certainly do it again.
5. Everyone is rather friendly. Very nice and kind. I would not go so far as helpful - but polite to be sure. As an example. when we arrived in Baton Rouge, I took both L & E to the bathroom - which is normal and necessary. So by the time we go to baggage claim, apparently they had decided my bags were unclaimed. Now - there are very few people working at the airport and no one really wanted to be responsible for finding my bag and it was a bit of a comedy of errors chasing them down, but can I just say that I was called Ma'am alot and thanked for my patiences. Which while not overwhelming helpful, it is polite. N shared with me that logic rarely enters the equation in Baton Rouge!
6. The new mall and shopping area where Whole Foods is located. Very nice shopping and very pretty and with the weather there - outdoor shopping is very nice.
7. My kiddos were so well behaved. They were very good - even being off schedule and lacking a bit of sleep. I was so proud of them. They each got a new book when we got home - and they so deserved it. We had a rough flight home (details in another post) and they rose to the occasion - big time.
8. The Royal Standard. What a fun place to shop. Rooms of nifty and interesting things. N and I went there on Saturday and it was a truly great place to shop! I bought a few neat things.
9. Relaxation. The pace is slower in the south and we took full advantage. This trip was peaceful and quiet and at a pace that suited both the kiddos, H and I. A real plus!
10. The State Capital building. It is very tall and we went up to the observation deck and totally enjoyed the view. It is lovely. The same about the Levy. It is very nice and like a park and offers a great view of the river.
11. N & R's back yard! Complete with a pond and lots of trees and flowers. It is a lush paradise and it was so nice to sit outside and enjoy the Spring! No coat required.
12. The fragrance of Spring. The orange blossoms, the azaleas, lilacs and honeysuckle. All combined to make for a wonderful spring smell. I loved it. It was sweet and light and just perfect.
13. Baton Rouge is off the beaten path and it is interesting and I am sure there is more to uncover and it seemed to me to be growing and developing and in time it will have all the amenities of large city - I just hope that it keeps it small world charm. I love going somewhere where the pace is a little slower and I can just be. Baton Rouge seemed like that kind of place. Another plus - it is very close to New Orleans - you could make it a trip of two cities very easily.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
What I can handle...
I have been pondering this for a bit. My menu is a challenge. I admit that. It is complicated shopping. I read a ton. I study the small print and I look at every single label. It takes me awhile at the grocery. It really does. I really like fruits and veggies - they are lableless and I know I can eat them.
I take food with me all the time. I carry something in my purse I know I can eat. Today, I took boiled eggs to church, because I knew much of what was going to be served at bunch I could not eat for one reason or another. Preparing for my vacation, I have stocked up on some of my favorites which travel well. I am scared of being trapped in an airport with no Susan friendly food.
My friend at the gym questions how I can manage this diet. Well I feel great. I feel wonderful and I look great and I just do. But I have been thinking about this. I think that the Universe only serves up challenges that YOU can handle. Be it God, s higher power, Karma or whatever - YOU are presented with challenges, which will challenge but not break you.
My friend J has two children with severe food allergies. J is on top of things and is very vigilant. The universe put her kids in great hands.
Me? Well I am determined and driven and organized and able to deal with the food issues. The upside is huge and there is limited downside really. I have to be thoughtful about what I am eating and what I bring with me - and really McDonald's and Chinese is not really a choice for me - but I feel great!
So we learn and grow as challenges present themselves and ultimately that is the point. One can live without toast - I would really rather not, not be challenged. I think a life stagnet sounds horrible - more horrible than no being able to eat jelly beans or milk shakes or pancakes.
I take food with me all the time. I carry something in my purse I know I can eat. Today, I took boiled eggs to church, because I knew much of what was going to be served at bunch I could not eat for one reason or another. Preparing for my vacation, I have stocked up on some of my favorites which travel well. I am scared of being trapped in an airport with no Susan friendly food.
My friend at the gym questions how I can manage this diet. Well I feel great. I feel wonderful and I look great and I just do. But I have been thinking about this. I think that the Universe only serves up challenges that YOU can handle. Be it God, s higher power, Karma or whatever - YOU are presented with challenges, which will challenge but not break you.
My friend J has two children with severe food allergies. J is on top of things and is very vigilant. The universe put her kids in great hands.
Me? Well I am determined and driven and organized and able to deal with the food issues. The upside is huge and there is limited downside really. I have to be thoughtful about what I am eating and what I bring with me - and really McDonald's and Chinese is not really a choice for me - but I feel great!
So we learn and grow as challenges present themselves and ultimately that is the point. One can live without toast - I would really rather not, not be challenged. I think a life stagnet sounds horrible - more horrible than no being able to eat jelly beans or milk shakes or pancakes.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The raw power of language
I have a thing about words. I like 'em. I like to think about them, say them, read them, speak them, play with them. I am verbal person. I think out loud. (or I write and that is still expressing thoughts.)
L is learning to read. For real. She has been "reading" for years. She loves books. She sleeps in bed with a pile of books and has for some time. She carries books around the house. She lines up her small zoo of stuffed animals and reads to them.
But now - in this moment she is learning to read the words. She is collecting words the way one would collect sea shells on the shore. Building her site vocab and her list of "high frequency" words.
She is learning to write. She is making up some wild spelling and her penmanship - yep she got that from H - yeah buddy we need work on that - but again the raw power of her discovery. She can write a story now. Just like mommy she will say. The other night she made me a book about the new clothes I had bought her at the store. It was so powerful. Pictures and words working together.
Now I learned a foreign language as a young adult (high school and collage.) and I suppose it was the same process. I remember building my vocabulary slowly and over time. My vocabulary grows every time I go to Germany. The way our brains soak up language is amazing to me.
I was sharing tea with a friend one afternoon and we were discussing vocabulary and the missing pieces of it that we each have. She speaks Arabic and French in addition to English and I speak German. I had been trying to help her look for an apartment in Germany and had had to consult the dictionary a few times because I have never looked for an apartment in German and I had some holes in my vocabulary.
As we drank out tea we where talking about the missing pieces in our vocabularies and we decided that it was so much about experience. Children begin to soak up their mothers language, virtually in utero. They just hear it and somehow the mind catalogs it for them and starts their mental word list even before they say their first word. When learning a language later in life the work is harder, there is some catch up and it is so dependent in many cases on experience.
I knew nothing of German baby speak, like diapers and bottles and all of that until I actually had had a baby and needed to talk the stuff of babies.
My friend and I also came to a startling discovery that afternoon. I knew very few "romantic" words in German - that part of my life experience has been in English while she knew a fair amount about the power of romance in French and understandably none in Arabic.
Language is dynamic and our experience with it is a daily adventure, if we open our minds and take in the power, we just might learn something.
L is learning to read. For real. She has been "reading" for years. She loves books. She sleeps in bed with a pile of books and has for some time. She carries books around the house. She lines up her small zoo of stuffed animals and reads to them.
But now - in this moment she is learning to read the words. She is collecting words the way one would collect sea shells on the shore. Building her site vocab and her list of "high frequency" words.
She is learning to write. She is making up some wild spelling and her penmanship - yep she got that from H - yeah buddy we need work on that - but again the raw power of her discovery. She can write a story now. Just like mommy she will say. The other night she made me a book about the new clothes I had bought her at the store. It was so powerful. Pictures and words working together.
Now I learned a foreign language as a young adult (high school and collage.) and I suppose it was the same process. I remember building my vocabulary slowly and over time. My vocabulary grows every time I go to Germany. The way our brains soak up language is amazing to me.
I was sharing tea with a friend one afternoon and we were discussing vocabulary and the missing pieces of it that we each have. She speaks Arabic and French in addition to English and I speak German. I had been trying to help her look for an apartment in Germany and had had to consult the dictionary a few times because I have never looked for an apartment in German and I had some holes in my vocabulary.
As we drank out tea we where talking about the missing pieces in our vocabularies and we decided that it was so much about experience. Children begin to soak up their mothers language, virtually in utero. They just hear it and somehow the mind catalogs it for them and starts their mental word list even before they say their first word. When learning a language later in life the work is harder, there is some catch up and it is so dependent in many cases on experience.
I knew nothing of German baby speak, like diapers and bottles and all of that until I actually had had a baby and needed to talk the stuff of babies.
My friend and I also came to a startling discovery that afternoon. I knew very few "romantic" words in German - that part of my life experience has been in English while she knew a fair amount about the power of romance in French and understandably none in Arabic.
Language is dynamic and our experience with it is a daily adventure, if we open our minds and take in the power, we just might learn something.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Glitter is Great
Well it is actually. I have some new glitter and I am so pleased. I have done something I have always wanted to do and I am making a statement. I am showing my inner creativity and inner wild child these days - on my nose! I have a little blue sparkle on my nose! I love it. It is me - it is a sign of my creativity and I have wanted to do this for years - but the former JOB - well they frowned upon such self expression.
H and I went to Pierceolgy last weekend. It did not hurt at all - not even a little bit. It is healing like a dream - I am soaking my nose in salt water - yeah that is a challenge but fun! The stone brings out my eyes. L loves my glitter. She points it out to people. E is not so sure he down with it. My mom just rolled her eyes and my bro said I had lost my mind. It matters not to me. I love it!
Now lest you all think I am crazy - I should say that I have more glitter and it is not just in my ears!
This spring, whilst in New York - I went with my friend SS and got my navel pierced. It was to celebrate being at pre-pregnancy weight minus 5 pounds. For those keeping track - I am 10 pounds lighter now verse then. (I love running!) I wanted something to remind me of the hard work I had done getting to that milestone and something to keep me focused on staying on track.
Now I should say - I am terrified of needles! Big time - to the tune of opted to have babies the old fashion way terrified - cuz that epidural needle is seriously huge.
The piercer in New York (we went to LeRoi in the East Village) actually I think nearly busted a gut trying to laugh when SS told me - well this should be nothing compared to birthing babies... It was not. It is did not hurt a bit and I never really saw the needle. I had my eyes closed. Same for with my nose. Actually - they ask you to close your eyes.
I have said I am done for now! I mean I am not trying to collect sparkles. Each of these piercings means a great deal to me. One was to celebrate where I had been - to mark a place in my journey and the other is more of a reminder of where I am going. I wanted an outward sign of what I am feeling inside - I wanted something to make people stop and think before they judge me - or a sign that I have an edge - an edge I am very proud of - an edge I am embracing more and more everyday. Something that makes me unique. I am not nor will I ever be a soccer mom. I am a creative force - I am on a path I have chosen for myself, I live everyday as if it were my last. I am happy and proud of my accomplishments and I have places yet to go!
It is about reaching for the stars and living the life you were meant to live.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Somethings just REMAIN as they SHOULD be....
This is Tigger! He is my favorite friend from Winnie-the-Pooh. He is fun and bouncy and frankly as dense as I am from time to time. Our friends A & D came over last night and D told me and H and A backed him up that Tigger was killed off by killer bees and is dead. Disney wrote him out of the books. I was appalled - you just cannot kill Tigger!
Seriously - it is just not done - it is traumatic to soulful, thoughtful writers like myself. Some things in life just SHOULD not happen. My friend S told me this fall that they were going to kill Bert on Sesame Street to teach kids about dying - I was horrified then too!
I am 100% opposed to anyone hurting any of these creatures.
Now today - I do think, I believe my friends were just playing with me - because I am just that easy. I am a bit dense and gullible I guess. I do like living in my own mind-- it is a safe, warm-- albeit wacky place. Those of you that know me and know me well, you know I am confident and capable and totally grounded in reality most of the time - key word - MOST. A part of me remains firmly rooted in the world in my head - a place full of wacky ideas, weird rhyming sentences, warm safe clouds, storybook characters and a nonstop story wheel.
I did a little bit of research this afternoon and I have found that Bert is not dead. He is still living with Ernie - maybe wishing he were dead - but alive nonetheless and frankly Tigger appears to be fine also. I did find reference to this 1997 film where Pooh and his pals have an adventure - but it appears that no one was actually hurt in the making of the film!
So I am going to continue on my path believing that all is right on Sesame Street and that everyone in the 100 acre Woods is just fine - happy and somewhat well adjusted.
So things it seems - contrary to the reports made by H, A, D & S - all REMAINS just as it SHOULD in my world. Whew, I was really worried.
Seriously - it is just not done - it is traumatic to soulful, thoughtful writers like myself. Some things in life just SHOULD not happen. My friend S told me this fall that they were going to kill Bert on Sesame Street to teach kids about dying - I was horrified then too!
I am 100% opposed to anyone hurting any of these creatures.
Now today - I do think, I believe my friends were just playing with me - because I am just that easy. I am a bit dense and gullible I guess. I do like living in my own mind-- it is a safe, warm-- albeit wacky place. Those of you that know me and know me well, you know I am confident and capable and totally grounded in reality most of the time - key word - MOST. A part of me remains firmly rooted in the world in my head - a place full of wacky ideas, weird rhyming sentences, warm safe clouds, storybook characters and a nonstop story wheel.
I did a little bit of research this afternoon and I have found that Bert is not dead. He is still living with Ernie - maybe wishing he were dead - but alive nonetheless and frankly Tigger appears to be fine also. I did find reference to this 1997 film where Pooh and his pals have an adventure - but it appears that no one was actually hurt in the making of the film!
So I am going to continue on my path believing that all is right on Sesame Street and that everyone in the 100 acre Woods is just fine - happy and somewhat well adjusted.
So things it seems - contrary to the reports made by H, A, D & S - all REMAINS just as it SHOULD in my world. Whew, I was really worried.
Friday, December 28, 2007
ah flowers in the spring....
well more like flowers in December - but they are so lovely I had to share them. Friends gave them to us - they are beautiful and smell wonderful and well I had to brighten the blog with the also!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Year end Blog Contest
Ok- so we are in the home stretch of 2007! It has been a great year and I am offering you all a chance at winning something! So I am throwing a little contest! All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post or for those of you who are reading but doing so in the QT - just email me your comment and I will count it! Ideally I would like to have the comments - but hey I am a reasonable girl.
So here is the deal - I am trolling for writing topics again - I know I am creative and I can come up with them on my own - but sometimes it is fun to write about something someone else has suggested! I am open to almost all suggestions - so be creative, ask me deep dark questions, ask me questions you think I might not have an answer for, make me think - you choose! I would also be willing to create a short story - on the topic of your choice.
I will keep the contest open through December 31, 2007!
The prize will be a gift card to Barnes and Noble and the joy of having me write something especially for you!
So here is the deal - I am trolling for writing topics again - I know I am creative and I can come up with them on my own - but sometimes it is fun to write about something someone else has suggested! I am open to almost all suggestions - so be creative, ask me deep dark questions, ask me questions you think I might not have an answer for, make me think - you choose! I would also be willing to create a short story - on the topic of your choice.
I will keep the contest open through December 31, 2007!
The prize will be a gift card to Barnes and Noble and the joy of having me write something especially for you!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Well that was fun...
That is what I turned to JS and said at 10.78 miles after we had run a brisk jog. I was smiling when I said it. In fact the entire 1/2 marathon experience was FUN! Now let me just say that the longest I have ever managed to run is 7.5 miles. I should have been able to run 10 miles - but I never got there - so we did walk a good bit of the course - say from 7.5 miles thru about mile 11.5 or so - but it was a fast walk. So I will recap random thoughts about the day - since I am feeling a bit random and putting it into usable prose is not going to happen.
1. I took chap stick. Yep - I had it in my sock. It was me and chap stick. I had not given a thought to food for during the race, car keys or otherwise. JS had her camel pack and a running watch with GPS and the whole deal. She had said if I wanted to run ahead I could. I asked her if she was nutts. She had all the good stuff - I was sticking to her like glue.
2. We ran the 1st mile in under 10 minutes. In fact we were moving at a fast clip for the 1st three. So I now know that my race style is more 5k than say 1/2 marathon. I like to bust it out and be done - thank you very much. I also know that I could run a 10 K and do ok also. I will not be attempting the full marathon anytime soon.
3. L asked me tonight if I won the race. Well not exactly. I mean I finished. I actually did it in under 3 hours - which for someone this time last year would tell people she would only run if chased. I mean a few years ago- if you told me I would run and finish a 13.1 mile- race - I would have told you that you lost your mind.
4. I noticed that girls tend to run in twos. JS and I ran together and we were not alone. In fact there where two girls dressed as rabbits - complete with pick knees socks. There were also many couples - I guess it is a great way to spend time together. However - I am not sure H is going to be running with me anytime soon. Besides he runs too fast - I am realistic about just how much I can take.
5. I had taken one of my favorite ABC cookies with me for after the race. I was so looking forward to it smeared in peanut butter. In fact at mile 10 I was really thinking about that cookie. So when the race ended and I could actually eat my cookie - well I did not want it anymore. Further proof that God is not a woman - a woman would have fixed the comic gliche that would do such a thing to a person who had just run/walked 13.1 miles. I still do not want that cookie - darn it! (For those wondering - yeah - I kinda wanted to puke...)
6. Not that I want anyone to think that I am superwoman - birthing babies the old fashion way and all - but because God is not a woman - it happened that my period started on Friday evening, Nice! But still managed it ok.
So the big question is who will be joining us for next years race? I mean we plan to do it in 2.5 hours. If you get off your butt now - you just might make it!
1. I took chap stick. Yep - I had it in my sock. It was me and chap stick. I had not given a thought to food for during the race, car keys or otherwise. JS had her camel pack and a running watch with GPS and the whole deal. She had said if I wanted to run ahead I could. I asked her if she was nutts. She had all the good stuff - I was sticking to her like glue.
2. We ran the 1st mile in under 10 minutes. In fact we were moving at a fast clip for the 1st three. So I now know that my race style is more 5k than say 1/2 marathon. I like to bust it out and be done - thank you very much. I also know that I could run a 10 K and do ok also. I will not be attempting the full marathon anytime soon.
3. L asked me tonight if I won the race. Well not exactly. I mean I finished. I actually did it in under 3 hours - which for someone this time last year would tell people she would only run if chased. I mean a few years ago- if you told me I would run and finish a 13.1 mile- race - I would have told you that you lost your mind.
4. I noticed that girls tend to run in twos. JS and I ran together and we were not alone. In fact there where two girls dressed as rabbits - complete with pick knees socks. There were also many couples - I guess it is a great way to spend time together. However - I am not sure H is going to be running with me anytime soon. Besides he runs too fast - I am realistic about just how much I can take.
5. I had taken one of my favorite ABC cookies with me for after the race. I was so looking forward to it smeared in peanut butter. In fact at mile 10 I was really thinking about that cookie. So when the race ended and I could actually eat my cookie - well I did not want it anymore. Further proof that God is not a woman - a woman would have fixed the comic gliche that would do such a thing to a person who had just run/walked 13.1 miles. I still do not want that cookie - darn it! (For those wondering - yeah - I kinda wanted to puke...)
6. Not that I want anyone to think that I am superwoman - birthing babies the old fashion way and all - but because God is not a woman - it happened that my period started on Friday evening, Nice! But still managed it ok.
So the big question is who will be joining us for next years race? I mean we plan to do it in 2.5 hours. If you get off your butt now - you just might make it!
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