There's a point in our church service where we pass the peace. We stand up and greet those around us with a handshake and say "God's peace" to each other. There are hugs with friends and a kiss to my own family. Truth be told, it stretches me as a closet introvert. I'm comfortable greeting those whom we sit near every Sunday but seldom do I cross the room to others.
One Sunday about three years ago I was jolted when I noticed an older man in the back of the church. His pale yellow-pink coloring, lack of hair, and larger body frame made me think it was my dad. My breath caught and my brain caught up with my eyes as a wave of emotion that included the always present undercurrent of loss and regret passed through me. How many phone calls did I cut short because dad was retelling me a story from years ago, or how many weekends that I could have visited that I did not because I wanted to sleep in, or go out with friends?
The next time I saw him, I made a point to walk his way and reach out my hand to extend the peace. He casually took my hand and it was shocking that his skin had a familiar paper-thin, but warm feel. As I returned to my seat with my own family, again my eyes were moist with a feeling of connection to my dad.
So, now I'm a thief. When I see him, I make a point to shake his hand and pass the peace. I don't know his name and while I hope he's a happy person in a happy life, I don't need to know him. I just want to touch him, and I know I am stealing from him. The hand I hold for those three seconds isn't his, it's my dad. That kind grasp and minute squeeze is a hug, a stolen touch of my father across the boundaries of life and death.
I am careful not to be overly effusive when I take from this stranger what I want. I give him a warm smile but no bigger than the people I greet on the aisles as I make my way towards him. I don't want to scare him or let him know that I've got ulterior motives. When I greet him with my "Good morning, God's peace." I'm really saying "thank you".
Dad would be 81 this week. I wonder which story he would tell me when I called him Tuesday to wish him a happy birthday. It would be nice to hear his voice as he talked through current events, told me I'm doing a good job of parenting, or teased us about having an electronic gadget for every need. We won't have those conversations ever again, but I have a secret. When things get back to normal and we can attend church in person, I get to shake his hand and carry that familiar touch in my heart.
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Monday, July 01, 2013
Summer!
It was an amazing weekend, the kind where you know that no moment has been wasted.
We did it all this weekend, dinner in the back yard, swimming, visiting friends, exhausting the kid and all things fun and great.
Saturday we zipped to the mall in the morning to check out the "amazing sale" at Eddie Bauer and decided to swing by the container store for storage items for the new storage bins in our loft. I kind of went crazy with the selection and will likely be returning some of the haul. There's form vs. function and the little discussed dimension of financial. Yes, the new bins are pretty and they will function nicely, but are they necessary? It remains to be seen.
Saturday night was our date with the boat pick up people. During the back and forth emails I wasn't nervous about our decision to have dinner with these people whom we spoke with for about 30 minutes at the mall. The 20% introvert side of me was worried that it would be awkward but from the moment we arrived it was relaxed and the conversation flowed fast and furious. There was some pre-planning where the question was asked "any food or conversation topics we should avoid?" This is a great question. In this day and age people's food issues are so complex that cooking for others can be quite the challenge. But, since we had tentatively landed on beef as a protein I didn't think it was necessary to bring up Jason's aversion to salmon. And, the walnut thing with me is not a fatal allergy and I am perfectly capable of picking them out of my food. Also, I didn't mention that I'm still rather ruined on chardonnay after all - we were bringing wine. On the conversation front, I figured I could hold my over opinionated tongue if we started to get into a squishy area.
I giggled when I got the email that read "change of plans, A wants to cook salmon, so bring an oaky chardonnay." Truth be told, the salmon was amazing and Jason even inquired as to how it was cooked. He told me in the car that he'd like to maybe try it sometime at home. (On the grill - cooking salmon in the house is a no no.) We didn't bring chardonnay and shared why. Most people have a beverage (tequila, rum?) that the smell is so overpowering that it takes them back to a bad decision from their youth. Hey, I was 42... stop judging me!
Alas, by the end of the evening the 'salmon' story was known by all and I don't get the feeling our new friends were insulted. Honestly, it was some good fish. Oh, and that kid. She was served up a plate with cheese quesadilla, green beans, corn on the cob and eventually a cup cake. What did she eat? two bites of corn and about 6 of the crunchy fresh green beans from my plate. The cup cake... nope. ODD BIRD.
Sometimes the kids don't leave a party with the clothes they brought. We were able to donate a too small swimsuit to the far more petite (not quite the TALL child that we have) Noel and Lucy left with some sassy black boots that were too small for our hostess. I couldn't get pants on Lucy so we walked to our car in a shorty shirt, a diaper and knee high black boots. If she wasn't two it would have been an unfortunate wardrobe selection.
Sunday we worked hard to get to church early. Pastor Kirby, the pastor who married us, has been elected as Bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod (that's a big churchy word.) What does this mean? Well, after 30 years, he will no longer be the senior pastor at our church. We are happy for him and think he's going to be great, but we are so sad to no have him to ourselves anymore. Sunday was his last day with SMLC and there was a big party.
Church was so packed (bigger than Christmas or Easter) that they filled the entry way with folding chairs and those folks watched the service on monitors. It was an emotional service and I'm so glad we went - even though it was about 300 degrees in the chapel. (Chapel isn't the right word because we aren't Catholic but I don't know the official Lutheran term. Perhaps, 'worship space'.) The service started at 10, and Kirby opened his welcome to us by announcing that his mother, who has been ill, passed away at 8:00 am that morning. WHOA. I hope that he and his family were comforted by the waves of love rolling at them all day.
After church we headed home to set up the pool. The projected temperature for the day was supposed to be around 88 (turned out to be 93). Getting that pool up and running was a priority. Of course, on a day that we were going to be hanging out in the back yard all day, the neighbors across the way were bringing down two very large trees on their property. The sound of the chainsaws was loud and not relaxing and it was sad to see the trees come down. The process is interesting, but I hope they had a good reason for doing it.
In the high heat of the day, we retired inside to watch a movie. We only watch movies with Lucy on the weekends and after hours in the sun, it seemed like a smart idea. She happily ate her bowl of popcorn and drank her juice while enjoying the "bovie".
This morning she was bathed in a layer of sunscreen before heading to school and looked cute as a button in her red, white and blue t-shirt. She's letting me put her hair up now and again and as you can see, I'm out of practice, but will do it any chance I get.
Tonight we start swim lessons. Wish us luck!
We did it all this weekend, dinner in the back yard, swimming, visiting friends, exhausting the kid and all things fun and great.
Saturday we zipped to the mall in the morning to check out the "amazing sale" at Eddie Bauer and decided to swing by the container store for storage items for the new storage bins in our loft. I kind of went crazy with the selection and will likely be returning some of the haul. There's form vs. function and the little discussed dimension of financial. Yes, the new bins are pretty and they will function nicely, but are they necessary? It remains to be seen.
Saturday night was our date with the boat pick up people. During the back and forth emails I wasn't nervous about our decision to have dinner with these people whom we spoke with for about 30 minutes at the mall. The 20% introvert side of me was worried that it would be awkward but from the moment we arrived it was relaxed and the conversation flowed fast and furious. There was some pre-planning where the question was asked "any food or conversation topics we should avoid?" This is a great question. In this day and age people's food issues are so complex that cooking for others can be quite the challenge. But, since we had tentatively landed on beef as a protein I didn't think it was necessary to bring up Jason's aversion to salmon. And, the walnut thing with me is not a fatal allergy and I am perfectly capable of picking them out of my food. Also, I didn't mention that I'm still rather ruined on chardonnay after all - we were bringing wine. On the conversation front, I figured I could hold my over opinionated tongue if we started to get into a squishy area.
I giggled when I got the email that read "change of plans, A wants to cook salmon, so bring an oaky chardonnay." Truth be told, the salmon was amazing and Jason even inquired as to how it was cooked. He told me in the car that he'd like to maybe try it sometime at home. (On the grill - cooking salmon in the house is a no no.) We didn't bring chardonnay and shared why. Most people have a beverage (tequila, rum?) that the smell is so overpowering that it takes them back to a bad decision from their youth. Hey, I was 42... stop judging me!
Alas, by the end of the evening the 'salmon' story was known by all and I don't get the feeling our new friends were insulted. Honestly, it was some good fish. Oh, and that kid. She was served up a plate with cheese quesadilla, green beans, corn on the cob and eventually a cup cake. What did she eat? two bites of corn and about 6 of the crunchy fresh green beans from my plate. The cup cake... nope. ODD BIRD.
Sometimes the kids don't leave a party with the clothes they brought. We were able to donate a too small swimsuit to the far more petite (not quite the TALL child that we have) Noel and Lucy left with some sassy black boots that were too small for our hostess. I couldn't get pants on Lucy so we walked to our car in a shorty shirt, a diaper and knee high black boots. If she wasn't two it would have been an unfortunate wardrobe selection.
Sunday we worked hard to get to church early. Pastor Kirby, the pastor who married us, has been elected as Bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod (that's a big churchy word.) What does this mean? Well, after 30 years, he will no longer be the senior pastor at our church. We are happy for him and think he's going to be great, but we are so sad to no have him to ourselves anymore. Sunday was his last day with SMLC and there was a big party.
Church was so packed (bigger than Christmas or Easter) that they filled the entry way with folding chairs and those folks watched the service on monitors. It was an emotional service and I'm so glad we went - even though it was about 300 degrees in the chapel. (Chapel isn't the right word because we aren't Catholic but I don't know the official Lutheran term. Perhaps, 'worship space'.) The service started at 10, and Kirby opened his welcome to us by announcing that his mother, who has been ill, passed away at 8:00 am that morning. WHOA. I hope that he and his family were comforted by the waves of love rolling at them all day.
After church we headed home to set up the pool. The projected temperature for the day was supposed to be around 88 (turned out to be 93). Getting that pool up and running was a priority. Of course, on a day that we were going to be hanging out in the back yard all day, the neighbors across the way were bringing down two very large trees on their property. The sound of the chainsaws was loud and not relaxing and it was sad to see the trees come down. The process is interesting, but I hope they had a good reason for doing it.
In the high heat of the day, we retired inside to watch a movie. We only watch movies with Lucy on the weekends and after hours in the sun, it seemed like a smart idea. She happily ate her bowl of popcorn and drank her juice while enjoying the "bovie".
This morning she was bathed in a layer of sunscreen before heading to school and looked cute as a button in her red, white and blue t-shirt. She's letting me put her hair up now and again and as you can see, I'm out of practice, but will do it any chance I get.
Tonight we start swim lessons. Wish us luck!
 |
| dinner on the patio |
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| cupcake lollipop |
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| The doomed tree |
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| Lake TP |
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| relaxing in the late afternoon |
 |
| ready for Monday |
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| the aftermath |
Sunday, December 16, 2012
The Lord's Prayer
I'm going to get spiritual. Calm yourselves.
The Lord's Prayer is something that as a kid I worked hard to memorize. I didn't do it because it was important to my faith or because I understood the meaning I did it because I felt awkward not knowing the words and I felt that if I had it memorized that I would fit in better. Oh the mind of a kid in 6th grade.
I was well into my adulthood when the meaning of the story of the last supper and the Lord's Prayer finally clicked for me. Hold the phone... Jesus was a real person (unlike Santa) and these are words that came out of his mouth. Whoa. I'm pretty sure this was my exact thought. Granted, Jesus likely didn't speak English and thus what we have today is a translation. Regardless, when I think about that it really says, for me it holds some very powerful concepts.
I've often thought that if I was ever to write a book it would be a book for kids explaining what the Lord's Prayer means. The thing that holds me back other than time is that I don't think of myself as qualified to comment or interpret something to integral to the Christian community. I mean, who am I but a sarcastic gal with a biting sense of humor? Who knows, I might do it anyway and run it by my liturgical friends.
The thing about The Lord's Prayer (TLP) for me is that the meaning of it hits home in different ways. At first it was the idea that it is a connection between Jesus and my modern world in the same way that when I read a passage from Shakespeare I find it amazing that those actual words were spoken 400 years ago by far better people than me. It may sound silly, but saying TLP and forming the same words is connective for me.
I find that aspect of it interesting because while I am attracted to the Jesus story, my spirituality is with God and not a specific person in the Bible. I always thought that the attention given to the Mary's by the Catholic faith was odd, but the Lutheran's and Presbyterians do the same thing with Jesus. I guess we need the actual people to relate to instead of a "dude on a cloud". Anywho, just a tangent.
Life is happening all around us. There is joy, there is sorrow, there is excitement and boredom. Life goes on and on and on. There are times when passages of TLP don't mean anything, and others when they speak to me deeply.
Over the course of the last year the line "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others" struck me as really appropriate. I've lost a friend and the forgivenessneeded in that scenario is layered. I need to forgive her for her opinion of me. I need to forgive myself for my part in the death of our friendship. I need to know that the transformation of our friendship from an active part of my life to someone whom I read about on Facebook is how life works and that is ok. I mourn it but I forgive the hurt I feel. (Pretty sure Jesus doesn't care about Facebook - but you get my meaning.)
Today, that same line spoke to me differently. Forgiveness. I send out prayers of forgiveness for the families in Connecticut who I can't imagine how they are functioning. I pray that they are able to find forgiveness and that it helps heal their sorrow. I don't mean straight up "no harm no foul" type forgiveness, but I hope in time they are able to let go of any anger or hate this terrible event has brought to them. I pray that the next person who is out in our world who is contemplating a similar act can find forgiveness and it eases whatever is driving them towards a dark act.
I also see for the first time that the line 'thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven" isn't a statement that our earthly place is so great and amazing, but a plea for a change in our world. It's an acknowledgement that life is rough and influenced by more than this omnipotent and benevolent being. It isn't God's will that this young man took the lives of these people - I don't believe that God was anywhere in that act. This line implies our hope that "God's will" is peaceful and good and wishing for that in our real live world.
I do pray for those families. I pray that they are able to heal in a way that I don't think I could. I hope they have people who will help pick them up and that the learn how to live in this new world. I hope we never see this type of event again (but accept that it likely will.)
I pray/hope (it is the same thing for me) that we learn something and that the people who use this terrible event to further their own agenda know how much they are hurting us.
I hope that even if you aren't a spiritual person that you are able to find comfort and peace in your own way throughout these terrible events.
The Lord's Prayer is something that as a kid I worked hard to memorize. I didn't do it because it was important to my faith or because I understood the meaning I did it because I felt awkward not knowing the words and I felt that if I had it memorized that I would fit in better. Oh the mind of a kid in 6th grade.
I was well into my adulthood when the meaning of the story of the last supper and the Lord's Prayer finally clicked for me. Hold the phone... Jesus was a real person (unlike Santa) and these are words that came out of his mouth. Whoa. I'm pretty sure this was my exact thought. Granted, Jesus likely didn't speak English and thus what we have today is a translation. Regardless, when I think about that it really says, for me it holds some very powerful concepts.
I've often thought that if I was ever to write a book it would be a book for kids explaining what the Lord's Prayer means. The thing that holds me back other than time is that I don't think of myself as qualified to comment or interpret something to integral to the Christian community. I mean, who am I but a sarcastic gal with a biting sense of humor? Who knows, I might do it anyway and run it by my liturgical friends.
The thing about The Lord's Prayer (TLP) for me is that the meaning of it hits home in different ways. At first it was the idea that it is a connection between Jesus and my modern world in the same way that when I read a passage from Shakespeare I find it amazing that those actual words were spoken 400 years ago by far better people than me. It may sound silly, but saying TLP and forming the same words is connective for me.
I find that aspect of it interesting because while I am attracted to the Jesus story, my spirituality is with God and not a specific person in the Bible. I always thought that the attention given to the Mary's by the Catholic faith was odd, but the Lutheran's and Presbyterians do the same thing with Jesus. I guess we need the actual people to relate to instead of a "dude on a cloud". Anywho, just a tangent.
Life is happening all around us. There is joy, there is sorrow, there is excitement and boredom. Life goes on and on and on. There are times when passages of TLP don't mean anything, and others when they speak to me deeply.
Over the course of the last year the line "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others" struck me as really appropriate. I've lost a friend and the forgivenessneeded in that scenario is layered. I need to forgive her for her opinion of me. I need to forgive myself for my part in the death of our friendship. I need to know that the transformation of our friendship from an active part of my life to someone whom I read about on Facebook is how life works and that is ok. I mourn it but I forgive the hurt I feel. (Pretty sure Jesus doesn't care about Facebook - but you get my meaning.)
Today, that same line spoke to me differently. Forgiveness. I send out prayers of forgiveness for the families in Connecticut who I can't imagine how they are functioning. I pray that they are able to find forgiveness and that it helps heal their sorrow. I don't mean straight up "no harm no foul" type forgiveness, but I hope in time they are able to let go of any anger or hate this terrible event has brought to them. I pray that the next person who is out in our world who is contemplating a similar act can find forgiveness and it eases whatever is driving them towards a dark act.
I also see for the first time that the line 'thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven" isn't a statement that our earthly place is so great and amazing, but a plea for a change in our world. It's an acknowledgement that life is rough and influenced by more than this omnipotent and benevolent being. It isn't God's will that this young man took the lives of these people - I don't believe that God was anywhere in that act. This line implies our hope that "God's will" is peaceful and good and wishing for that in our real live world.
I do pray for those families. I pray that they are able to heal in a way that I don't think I could. I hope they have people who will help pick them up and that the learn how to live in this new world. I hope we never see this type of event again (but accept that it likely will.)
I pray/hope (it is the same thing for me) that we learn something and that the people who use this terrible event to further their own agenda know how much they are hurting us.
I hope that even if you aren't a spiritual person that you are able to find comfort and peace in your own way throughout these terrible events.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Sally Ride and a genuine question
So, at the young age of 61 the first woman in space, Sally Ride died. She was part of my youth and watching her break that barrier was important. Of course at the time, I didn't know that it was remarkable and that she was doing something no woman had done (or been allowed to do) before. To me, she was unique because she was on the news. No one had told me that I couldn't do something because I was a girl. She was a pioneer and a hero. She was a champion for education and especially for girls in science. That's a hard sale these days.
Her obituary is causing some ripples because it ends with a simple statement that she leaves behind Tam Soandso, her partner of 27 years. She was GAY and we didn't know it. Gasp.
Some folks are up in arms that she was in the closet and did the gay community a disservice by not outing herself. I totally disagree.
Even though I think our society is served well by knowing that the gay community serves beside us in everything we do, I don't think that everyone who is gay has a responsibility to offer themselves up as a spokesperson. Ms. Ride's calling was her family and education. These are honorable causes. From what I've read it sounds like her family and friends knew she was a lesbian. That isn't closeted. Sure, she didn't invite the media and the American people into her bedroom, but she also didn't advocate in the public sphere her stance on lots of issues.
I had a bit of a back and forth on a friends web page on this topic and I gracefully bowed out. I said that I understood where he was coming from but that everyone should have a choice to be vocal or not. Then I let him have the last word. After all, he was the one who felt betrayed and I'm just a soon to be middle aged, married lady.
I think our modern American world has lots of progress to make regarding our homosexual neighbors. I understand that for some folks they may not know anyone who is gay (or don't know they know them) and they have been educated that being homosexual is a sin. That carries a lot of weight for folks who use sin as a marker for how to live their lives. Many people are adamant that GOD is calling this a sin.
I don't pretend to know what GOD says or thinks. We have a nice little book that tells us what some men say GOD said or thought, but many of the items contained within that book are out of date in our modern world and are not followed to the letter by these folks either. (I've mentioned this before.) I can only do what in my heart feels like the right thing.
Sorry, I'm on a religious tangent and I wanted to go somewhere else. My thought process of late has been trying to formulate a question to pose to the world at large about same-gender marriage that goes something like this:
The Washington State law (and upcoming ref 74) regarding same-sex unions does not require any church or religious organization to perform same-sex unions. Therefore they are allowed to opt out of participating in these unions and can express their beliefs for their congregants anyway they like.
If we take religious arguments, the bible, and God off the table for reasons to oppose same-sex unions, what are the other arguments against it?
I'm interested in hearing a non-religious based answer. I like religion, I enjoy participating in church and I am not trying to discount that some people feel adamantly that God is against this. However, we don't limit the rights of others because they don't belong to our church, any church, or heavens to pete don't believe in church at all. We do inflict Christmas on non-believers but Rudolf is so cute.. you know they like it.
I doubt I'm ever going to change the mind of anyone, but I am interested in hearing a genuine argument that isn't based on religion - especially in a country founded on religious freedom.
Her obituary is causing some ripples because it ends with a simple statement that she leaves behind Tam Soandso, her partner of 27 years. She was GAY and we didn't know it. Gasp.
Some folks are up in arms that she was in the closet and did the gay community a disservice by not outing herself. I totally disagree.
Even though I think our society is served well by knowing that the gay community serves beside us in everything we do, I don't think that everyone who is gay has a responsibility to offer themselves up as a spokesperson. Ms. Ride's calling was her family and education. These are honorable causes. From what I've read it sounds like her family and friends knew she was a lesbian. That isn't closeted. Sure, she didn't invite the media and the American people into her bedroom, but she also didn't advocate in the public sphere her stance on lots of issues.
I had a bit of a back and forth on a friends web page on this topic and I gracefully bowed out. I said that I understood where he was coming from but that everyone should have a choice to be vocal or not. Then I let him have the last word. After all, he was the one who felt betrayed and I'm just a soon to be middle aged, married lady.
I think our modern American world has lots of progress to make regarding our homosexual neighbors. I understand that for some folks they may not know anyone who is gay (or don't know they know them) and they have been educated that being homosexual is a sin. That carries a lot of weight for folks who use sin as a marker for how to live their lives. Many people are adamant that GOD is calling this a sin.
I don't pretend to know what GOD says or thinks. We have a nice little book that tells us what some men say GOD said or thought, but many of the items contained within that book are out of date in our modern world and are not followed to the letter by these folks either. (I've mentioned this before.) I can only do what in my heart feels like the right thing.
Sorry, I'm on a religious tangent and I wanted to go somewhere else. My thought process of late has been trying to formulate a question to pose to the world at large about same-gender marriage that goes something like this:
The Washington State law (and upcoming ref 74) regarding same-sex unions does not require any church or religious organization to perform same-sex unions. Therefore they are allowed to opt out of participating in these unions and can express their beliefs for their congregants anyway they like.
If we take religious arguments, the bible, and God off the table for reasons to oppose same-sex unions, what are the other arguments against it?
I'm interested in hearing a non-religious based answer. I like religion, I enjoy participating in church and I am not trying to discount that some people feel adamantly that God is against this. However, we don't limit the rights of others because they don't belong to our church, any church, or heavens to pete don't believe in church at all. We do inflict Christmas on non-believers but Rudolf is so cute.. you know they like it.
I doubt I'm ever going to change the mind of anyone, but I am interested in hearing a genuine argument that isn't based on religion - especially in a country founded on religious freedom.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
More weddings!
Oh I love a good wedding and with a few perplexing exceptions, my wonderful and delightful friends are paired up and wedding season seems to be waning in my world. (To all the single ladies in the world, I know of the last, smart, witty, fun, single and caring man on earth... give me a call and I'll assess your worthiness for an introduction.) He's a straight as the day is long, so any of you single guys out there have to keep looking.
Any-who... back to my point. The local news lately is filled with what I see as progress in our state. I'm talking about the historic votes to allow all couples, regardless of gender makeup to marry. Unless something drastic happens it will pass the next legislative step and then the Governor will sign the bill into law. It's a darned complicated process but I'm rather excited about it.
I'm sure the signing into law won't be the end of it, there will be people who will sue, those that will suggest that a law won't be valid unless its voted on by the citizens of our state, but I say 'whooie!' We elected the folks in Olympia and their work stands for us all - just because you don't like it doesn't make it wrong. My dad taught me that. It was a blinding lesson in reality, where he told me to "want in one want and spit in the other and see which one gets full first." I had to test that theory about five times before I really figured out that wanting wasn't all that productive. I also learned that a handful of spit wiped on the couch will get you sent to your room.
I know plenty of people who feel with the most deepest of convictions that homosexuality is a sin and that allowing these 'sinners' to marry is an affront to the foundations of marriage. I don't agree, but I respect their right to believe that way. I also respect their right to pick and choose which parts of the bible to follow. Rules such as if you rape a woman and she isn't married you have to marry her. We don't stand by that one... or the penalty for adultery being death by stoning. Other non-practical rules, such as crop rotation have been clearly moved aside as not relevant to our modern society, and I doubt that all priests still don special undergarments when they approach the alter, lest the die of guilt (that's in Exodus, and thank you Google for a fruitful search of absurd Bible laws.) I don't discount that many modern churches and religious organizations still call homosexuality a sin. That is fine, for them.
Churches and religious organizations can (and should) lead their people according to their beliefs and interpretations of Gods (or whomever) divine law. Those teachings however should not extend to how laws are crafted in our modern, religiously free society. Who is to say that YOUR view of God is the same as mine or that it is more relevant or more right? Basing laws on a specific moral code is not acceptable in our modern civil government. Sure, thou shalt not kill has wormed its way into our legal system, but come on, when you murder someone you trample their civil rights just a bit. It's not only an infringement of their ability to dine at McDonalds but also ties back to the 10 commandments. However, we have not created laws that can result in capital punishment for all the commandments. I can find no civil code to prohibit anyone from envying their neighbor or their hot wife.
I support the rights of Churches to opt in or out of performing, supporting, condemning or endorsing same sex unions. They can deem me a sinner all day long for my support for that matter. However, the State (a non-religious based entity) should not participate in mandated discrimination of any kind.
The argument that a same sex union harms the fabric of or society, the basis of families or will impact the marriage of anyone else is (again I say) whooie! There have been gay couples for ages and it hasn't really harmed anyone, or impacted the fabric of society. I would argue that the feeling that these people should stay closeted or that it's ok to bully gay kids or anyone) has done more harm than loving acceptance would have done. Just as a sham marriage between two complete strangers or celebrities has no impact on my world, a union between two women in Yakima would have zero impact on me. That's not entirely true, if I knew them, and was invited to the wedding I might spend some money on a new dress, a wedding gift or two and maybe a hotel room. That is a positive impact to our economy, that's not a bad thing.
The fight isn't over, the discussion will go on for a while, but hopefully it will be resolved once and for all and we can move on to bigger and more important things.
By the way, I was trying to look up a statistic that would support a statement I thought I wanted to make about most serial killers being heterosexual males and accidentally downloaded a rather large PowerPoint presentation from Radford University entitled "Serial Killers". Should anyone important be monitoring my online activity I'm not doing research for extra curricular activities. Turns out, the report makes no reference to sexuality other than to note that serial killers have a higher rate of sexual abuse in their past than the rest of the population. Since consenting adult sexual behavior isn't abuse the point is irrelevant. Point to note, abuse and dismembering of animals is a VERY strong indicator of future deviant behavior and should be taken VERY SERIOUSLY.
Any-who... back to my point. The local news lately is filled with what I see as progress in our state. I'm talking about the historic votes to allow all couples, regardless of gender makeup to marry. Unless something drastic happens it will pass the next legislative step and then the Governor will sign the bill into law. It's a darned complicated process but I'm rather excited about it.
I'm sure the signing into law won't be the end of it, there will be people who will sue, those that will suggest that a law won't be valid unless its voted on by the citizens of our state, but I say 'whooie!' We elected the folks in Olympia and their work stands for us all - just because you don't like it doesn't make it wrong. My dad taught me that. It was a blinding lesson in reality, where he told me to "want in one want and spit in the other and see which one gets full first." I had to test that theory about five times before I really figured out that wanting wasn't all that productive. I also learned that a handful of spit wiped on the couch will get you sent to your room.
I know plenty of people who feel with the most deepest of convictions that homosexuality is a sin and that allowing these 'sinners' to marry is an affront to the foundations of marriage. I don't agree, but I respect their right to believe that way. I also respect their right to pick and choose which parts of the bible to follow. Rules such as if you rape a woman and she isn't married you have to marry her. We don't stand by that one... or the penalty for adultery being death by stoning. Other non-practical rules, such as crop rotation have been clearly moved aside as not relevant to our modern society, and I doubt that all priests still don special undergarments when they approach the alter, lest the die of guilt (that's in Exodus, and thank you Google for a fruitful search of absurd Bible laws.) I don't discount that many modern churches and religious organizations still call homosexuality a sin. That is fine, for them.
Churches and religious organizations can (and should) lead their people according to their beliefs and interpretations of Gods (or whomever) divine law. Those teachings however should not extend to how laws are crafted in our modern, religiously free society. Who is to say that YOUR view of God is the same as mine or that it is more relevant or more right? Basing laws on a specific moral code is not acceptable in our modern civil government. Sure, thou shalt not kill has wormed its way into our legal system, but come on, when you murder someone you trample their civil rights just a bit. It's not only an infringement of their ability to dine at McDonalds but also ties back to the 10 commandments. However, we have not created laws that can result in capital punishment for all the commandments. I can find no civil code to prohibit anyone from envying their neighbor or their hot wife.
I support the rights of Churches to opt in or out of performing, supporting, condemning or endorsing same sex unions. They can deem me a sinner all day long for my support for that matter. However, the State (a non-religious based entity) should not participate in mandated discrimination of any kind.
The argument that a same sex union harms the fabric of or society, the basis of families or will impact the marriage of anyone else is (again I say) whooie! There have been gay couples for ages and it hasn't really harmed anyone, or impacted the fabric of society. I would argue that the feeling that these people should stay closeted or that it's ok to bully gay kids or anyone) has done more harm than loving acceptance would have done. Just as a sham marriage between two complete strangers or celebrities has no impact on my world, a union between two women in Yakima would have zero impact on me. That's not entirely true, if I knew them, and was invited to the wedding I might spend some money on a new dress, a wedding gift or two and maybe a hotel room. That is a positive impact to our economy, that's not a bad thing.
The fight isn't over, the discussion will go on for a while, but hopefully it will be resolved once and for all and we can move on to bigger and more important things.
By the way, I was trying to look up a statistic that would support a statement I thought I wanted to make about most serial killers being heterosexual males and accidentally downloaded a rather large PowerPoint presentation from Radford University entitled "Serial Killers". Should anyone important be monitoring my online activity I'm not doing research for extra curricular activities. Turns out, the report makes no reference to sexuality other than to note that serial killers have a higher rate of sexual abuse in their past than the rest of the population. Since consenting adult sexual behavior isn't abuse the point is irrelevant. Point to note, abuse and dismembering of animals is a VERY strong indicator of future deviant behavior and should be taken VERY SERIOUSLY.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sigh
Some people, as you know, can be a constant source of disappointment. Some people don't follow through, some can't be trusted, some aren't kind to small children and animals. Thankfully, in my world there are far more folks who are honorable than not.
Currently, however here are two (or more) folks on my list of least favorite people this week. The first is the stupid yahoo who shot Washington State Patrol Officer Scott Johnson. Thankfully, the assailant was caught, and only had a 22 caliber pistol, which can be deadly but in this case was not. Officer Johnson is someone my family knows personally and that doesn't make the act more terrible it just feels far too damn close to home.
Officer Johnson will recover and go home to his family, but I worry that this incident brought back terrible memories for my parents of another State Patrol Officer who wasn't so fortunate. In the early 1970's my dad was a young trooper and he worked with an officer named Frank Noble. On a Saturday in February of 1972, Frank was murdered by a driver he had pulled over for speeding. The shooter was out on furlough and had just committed armed robbery. Sadly, Officer Noble didn't know this and didn't know to call for back up. I wonder how many lives the in car computers have saved.
I wasn't old enough to know officer Noble or his young family (I was only 3 at the time) but that event distinctly shaped our family. The officers my dad worked with were a very tight knit group and they worked together and their families played together. I don't think I'm over sharing by saying that Frank's death broke my dad's heart. The loss was so huge, so shocking and so unfair that my dad compensated by pushing all but the people closest to him away. When I think about my dad's friends, there aren't many. My mom is his best friend (awww how sweet) and he has a few folks that he considers friends, but they don't do the man-dates. They never have. These are all folks he worked with back in the day too. Dad is a social guy, he's kind and, has funny stories, but you aren't going to get too far into his soul. He keeps that to himself, and I think it's a form of protection.
We are extremely relieved that Officer Johnson will be with us for years and years to come, but his attacker is on my list and not invited to dinner EVER.
The other person (or persons) who are not invited to dinner are the soulless folks who have broken into our church and helped themselves to two electric guitars, a keyboard and most of the audio/visual equipment. I know that steeling is wrong, but how much more wrong is it when you take from people who have devoted their lives to others? It's a pretty shitty thing and frankly I'm pissed about it. Click here for more info.
Well... these are dark thoughts for a beautiful sunny Sunday, I don't need a dose of Prozac or anything. I'm actually going to go make a new recipe for dinner and think it will be tasty. I'm making Chicken Parmesan.
See, not being invited to dinner IS a punishment!
Currently, however here are two (or more) folks on my list of least favorite people this week. The first is the stupid yahoo who shot Washington State Patrol Officer Scott Johnson. Thankfully, the assailant was caught, and only had a 22 caliber pistol, which can be deadly but in this case was not. Officer Johnson is someone my family knows personally and that doesn't make the act more terrible it just feels far too damn close to home.
Officer Johnson will recover and go home to his family, but I worry that this incident brought back terrible memories for my parents of another State Patrol Officer who wasn't so fortunate. In the early 1970's my dad was a young trooper and he worked with an officer named Frank Noble. On a Saturday in February of 1972, Frank was murdered by a driver he had pulled over for speeding. The shooter was out on furlough and had just committed armed robbery. Sadly, Officer Noble didn't know this and didn't know to call for back up. I wonder how many lives the in car computers have saved.
I wasn't old enough to know officer Noble or his young family (I was only 3 at the time) but that event distinctly shaped our family. The officers my dad worked with were a very tight knit group and they worked together and their families played together. I don't think I'm over sharing by saying that Frank's death broke my dad's heart. The loss was so huge, so shocking and so unfair that my dad compensated by pushing all but the people closest to him away. When I think about my dad's friends, there aren't many. My mom is his best friend (awww how sweet) and he has a few folks that he considers friends, but they don't do the man-dates. They never have. These are all folks he worked with back in the day too. Dad is a social guy, he's kind and, has funny stories, but you aren't going to get too far into his soul. He keeps that to himself, and I think it's a form of protection.We are extremely relieved that Officer Johnson will be with us for years and years to come, but his attacker is on my list and not invited to dinner EVER.
The other person (or persons) who are not invited to dinner are the soulless folks who have broken into our church and helped themselves to two electric guitars, a keyboard and most of the audio/visual equipment. I know that steeling is wrong, but how much more wrong is it when you take from people who have devoted their lives to others? It's a pretty shitty thing and frankly I'm pissed about it. Click here for more info.
Well... these are dark thoughts for a beautiful sunny Sunday, I don't need a dose of Prozac or anything. I'm actually going to go make a new recipe for dinner and think it will be tasty. I'm making Chicken Parmesan.
See, not being invited to dinner IS a punishment!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Jesus made wine....
I had a coffee date today with Pastor Gretchen, who is the music minister at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. She played for us at our wedding and is possibly the coolest clergy person ever. She's a few years younger than me and is very "down to earth". I really like her.
We talked about everything under the sun, newly married life, work, politics, gays in the military (do we REALLY need a study to see if it's ok that the thousands of gay military people announce they are gay?) Gretchen suggested that its strange how "we" spend so much time and energy worrying about who is sleeping with who and not focused on things that matter like resolving real issues like famine and starvation.
One of the church projects she's working on is a thing called Luther's Table; it is a bar/pub space in the new veteran's building in Renton. It will be a social place, and there will be some aspect of sharing the faith message, but in a very secular and real life setting. I don't think the idea is to pounce on folks having a beer and tell them Jesus Christ is their personal savior, but to show that 'churchy people' can be about community.
It is definitely an experiment and I hope it works out. Gretchen is very involved and we were talking about programs and I of course got excited about different things - like trivia nights and (ooh!) poetry slams. She asked if I'd be willing to host such a thing (poetry slam) and my answer would be an unequivocal yes. I have very little talent, but I can write a funny poem and stand on stage to share it with strangers. I'm quite the show off.
Luther's Table is still in the early stages but I'm willing to participate. It sounds like a fun and interesting adventure.
We talked about everything under the sun, newly married life, work, politics, gays in the military (do we REALLY need a study to see if it's ok that the thousands of gay military people announce they are gay?) Gretchen suggested that its strange how "we" spend so much time and energy worrying about who is sleeping with who and not focused on things that matter like resolving real issues like famine and starvation.
One of the church projects she's working on is a thing called Luther's Table; it is a bar/pub space in the new veteran's building in Renton. It will be a social place, and there will be some aspect of sharing the faith message, but in a very secular and real life setting. I don't think the idea is to pounce on folks having a beer and tell them Jesus Christ is their personal savior, but to show that 'churchy people' can be about community.
It is definitely an experiment and I hope it works out. Gretchen is very involved and we were talking about programs and I of course got excited about different things - like trivia nights and (ooh!) poetry slams. She asked if I'd be willing to host such a thing (poetry slam) and my answer would be an unequivocal yes. I have very little talent, but I can write a funny poem and stand on stage to share it with strangers. I'm quite the show off.
Luther's Table is still in the early stages but I'm willing to participate. It sounds like a fun and interesting adventure.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
FaceBook Gripe Update
It turns out that I'm not hated but more importantly, I have been schooled in how to turn that "shiz" off!
I'm so very excited that I don't have to read about Greg's Farkle Adventures anymore!
I can spend my time on things of value like "Good Grammar Is Hot!"
The Good Grammar site is funny because I so often get it wrong, but love the snarky comments from the English teachers that have gathered together there. Lord help you if you create a national advertisement and use the wrong form of the word "too", "to" or "two" or don't quite have the "their", "they're" or "there" mastered. In the interest of full disclosure I should mention that I am aware that I have an issue using apostrophes and commas incorrectly. I am trying to work it out.
I would never have the guts to do this but here's an example of Grammar Nazi's going a tiny bit too far. The poster of this picture used her own window chalk to correct the spelling of "You're" and then graded the message, giving it a C-. It is mean and yet funny.
I'm so very excited that I don't have to read about Greg's Farkle Adventures anymore!
I can spend my time on things of value like "Good Grammar Is Hot!"
The Good Grammar site is funny because I so often get it wrong, but love the snarky comments from the English teachers that have gathered together there. Lord help you if you create a national advertisement and use the wrong form of the word "too", "to" or "two" or don't quite have the "their", "they're" or "there" mastered. In the interest of full disclosure I should mention that I am aware that I have an issue using apostrophes and commas incorrectly. I am trying to work it out.
I would never have the guts to do this but here's an example of Grammar Nazi's going a tiny bit too far. The poster of this picture used her own window chalk to correct the spelling of "You're" and then graded the message, giving it a C-. It is mean and yet funny.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Mulling
The wedding reception last night was nice. The bride was very pretty and the groom beaming. It's an amazing thing to be in a room filled with people who are delighted to brave a dark night (and no parking) to celebrate your happiness. Congratulations! I hope they will be as happy as I find myself.
On a completely different note, I've been thinking a lot about a person that I use to be very close to, and with whom conversation hasn't been easy of late. I realize that friendships change and the flow of our lives cause interests and priorities to shift but this one makes me sad. My attempts to reach out have been sort of fruitful but there has been a lack of genuine interaction. I guess that's ok and I wish my friend nothing but happiness and contentment.
During church this morning Pastor K spoke about wine and weddings (and that whole turning water into wine story) but opened it with his interaction with a young couple who aren't members of "our" church but had heard of K and his amazing spirit. He agreed to officiate at their wedding if they would come and do the pre-marital events. (We did it and thought it was great.) Well, time was running short and he couldn't make contact with the bride and after some failed attempts sent a terse email saying "let me know if the wedding is off or you don't need my services." He admits he was irritated and then horrified when the bride replied that the wedding was off because her groom was killed while serving overseas. WHOA.
I'm filled with sadness for this person whom I've never met and hope she's surrounded by people who can provide the right kind of comfort. I don't know what that might look like, but hope she has it.
Pastor K spoke about what a jerk he felt like and what he did to follow up with the gal. The message for us (or what I took away) is that you really don't know what is going on in someone else's world, and we can't always assume that our view of things is reality. I don't think its unfair to assume that you might think these kids were flaky and unconcerned for the busy schedule of this clergyman that they didn't know. The idea that one of the bridal party had died just wouldn't come to mind.
Obviously, we can't walk around all the time thinking, wow I should be nice to that cranky person because maybe their favorite cat died today... but I know I can be better about cutting people SOME slack. I can try to land on a compassionate note before I jump off assuming the worst.
As for my friend, I'm sure I own some of the distance between us. I mean I did change my life and am not 100% accessible like I was when I was single and alone. However, I don't believe I did anything "wrong" nor do I feel like I need to apologize for the happy direction my life went. Maybe Bitter TP was more fun for this person? (Nah... I've got it on good authority that Bitter TP was damned hard to love.) Maybe there's stuff going on in my friend's world that is easier not to share. I guess all I can do is keep reaching out from time to time and hope we reconnect on a real level again.
To end on a funny note, Joan, the wedding coordinator at the church pulled me aside this morning and said that she found our check that we had written for the pastoral services (4 months later) and wanted to see if it was ok to cash it. Eek.. of course, but my first question was "Are we really married?" Jas' was, "Has Pastor K been thinking all this time that we stiffed him?"
So, yes, we are actually married and Pastor K was only mildly thinking we hadn't paid... NICE.
On a completely different note, I've been thinking a lot about a person that I use to be very close to, and with whom conversation hasn't been easy of late. I realize that friendships change and the flow of our lives cause interests and priorities to shift but this one makes me sad. My attempts to reach out have been sort of fruitful but there has been a lack of genuine interaction. I guess that's ok and I wish my friend nothing but happiness and contentment.
During church this morning Pastor K spoke about wine and weddings (and that whole turning water into wine story) but opened it with his interaction with a young couple who aren't members of "our" church but had heard of K and his amazing spirit. He agreed to officiate at their wedding if they would come and do the pre-marital events. (We did it and thought it was great.) Well, time was running short and he couldn't make contact with the bride and after some failed attempts sent a terse email saying "let me know if the wedding is off or you don't need my services." He admits he was irritated and then horrified when the bride replied that the wedding was off because her groom was killed while serving overseas. WHOA.
I'm filled with sadness for this person whom I've never met and hope she's surrounded by people who can provide the right kind of comfort. I don't know what that might look like, but hope she has it.
Pastor K spoke about what a jerk he felt like and what he did to follow up with the gal. The message for us (or what I took away) is that you really don't know what is going on in someone else's world, and we can't always assume that our view of things is reality. I don't think its unfair to assume that you might think these kids were flaky and unconcerned for the busy schedule of this clergyman that they didn't know. The idea that one of the bridal party had died just wouldn't come to mind.
Obviously, we can't walk around all the time thinking, wow I should be nice to that cranky person because maybe their favorite cat died today... but I know I can be better about cutting people SOME slack. I can try to land on a compassionate note before I jump off assuming the worst.
As for my friend, I'm sure I own some of the distance between us. I mean I did change my life and am not 100% accessible like I was when I was single and alone. However, I don't believe I did anything "wrong" nor do I feel like I need to apologize for the happy direction my life went. Maybe Bitter TP was more fun for this person? (Nah... I've got it on good authority that Bitter TP was damned hard to love.) Maybe there's stuff going on in my friend's world that is easier not to share. I guess all I can do is keep reaching out from time to time and hope we reconnect on a real level again.
To end on a funny note, Joan, the wedding coordinator at the church pulled me aside this morning and said that she found our check that we had written for the pastoral services (4 months later) and wanted to see if it was ok to cash it. Eek.. of course, but my first question was "Are we really married?" Jas' was, "Has Pastor K been thinking all this time that we stiffed him?"
So, yes, we are actually married and Pastor K was only mildly thinking we hadn't paid... NICE.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Happy Friday!
I'm excited to report that Christmas is in full swing at Casa La TP. Our official tree will be decorated tomorrow ( a bit late, but other parties beckoned.) We are headed to the Seattle Symphony Christmas Pop's concert tonight and have dinner reservations at the new downtown Seattle location of our favorite restaurant.
After decorating our tree tomorrow we are headed to the Big Fancy Annual Christmas event. I have even dusted off a festive dress to wear.
Sunday will see the return of my people to church, where I'm sure our feet will burn as they cross the threshold. (It's been a while.)
I'm excited and happy about the impending holiday and think it will be a blast. It's very family focused this year and I am a bit sad to miss some of the friend events. Matt & JJ are throwing a swinging party on capital hill Saturday and our committment to the other gala will keep us away.
On the work front, I've gotten word that my contract has been extended another 3 months which is great! I'll likely be starting work with a new team who has a position opening in April. My evil plan is to do the work now so they can't stomach the idea of starting over with a greenhorn. Woo Woo. It's a job that is perfect for me and I'm excited.
After decorating our tree tomorrow we are headed to the Big Fancy Annual Christmas event. I have even dusted off a festive dress to wear.
Sunday will see the return of my people to church, where I'm sure our feet will burn as they cross the threshold. (It's been a while.)
I'm excited and happy about the impending holiday and think it will be a blast. It's very family focused this year and I am a bit sad to miss some of the friend events. Matt & JJ are throwing a swinging party on capital hill Saturday and our committment to the other gala will keep us away.
On the work front, I've gotten word that my contract has been extended another 3 months which is great! I'll likely be starting work with a new team who has a position opening in April. My evil plan is to do the work now so they can't stomach the idea of starting over with a greenhorn. Woo Woo. It's a job that is perfect for me and I'm excited.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Why aren’t independent women keeping their maiden names anymore?
This tweet came across my twitter account earlier this week. (I’m not a huge twitter fan, but it is a nice way to keep up with some folks who are CRAZY busy.)
As a recently married person who has opted to abandon my maiden name this question posed to the Internet haze made me think. I do consider myself an independent woman, even now after my oh so recent union with a certain dude. I’m learning to let go of things I use to HAVE to do for myself, such as scheduling car maintenance and trash removal from the house. I CAN do these tasks, but if he’s willing, why should I?
I do things he’s not a huge fan of and he does things that I don’t particularly enjoy. I think that’s the partnership portion of our teamwork agreement. Along with these remedial chores we have agreed to not ever fall apart on the same day – if he’s laying on the floor I’m the one who has to keep it together and vice a versa. That “it’s your turn” thing doesn’t quite translate to days when we’re cranky – we’ve figured out it is possible for both of us to be cranky at the same time and to survive it. It’s not fun, but it is survivable.
As for the name thing – I don’t believe that my decision to share a last name with my husband means I release one tiny little bit of my strong willed, hard earned independence. It is because of my autonomy that I felt I could change my name and not lose an ounce of my identity. It is because of my stong sense of self that I realized people who knew me before will always know me as the same person.
I respect those who opt(ed) to keep their maiden names. But, it doesn’t change how I see them. If they carry their father’s last name or their husband’s last name – they are still who they always were – in my eyes.
It is an adjustment, but I like it. It doesn’t make us any more or less a family, but I made this commitment for the long haul and I want to share this outward sign that to me feels intimate and public at the same time. It will also make the addressing of holiday cards and formal invitations easier.
There’s a cheesy and too sickly sweet scene at the end of the 2005 Kiera Knightley (who needs to EAT a COOKIE) version of Pride and Prejudice where she and Mr. Darcy are in their “sexy” pj’s watching the sunrise. He asks what he’s supposed to call her when he is something, head over heels in love with her and her response is “Mrs. Darcy”. Gosh, that scene makes my teeth hurt and yet the sentiment is one I can get behind.
I believe there are women who bow to the pressure of “tradition” and acquiesce to adopt their husband’s name. That’s a purposeful use of the word “acquiesce” over “choose”. Agreeing to do something and choosing are very different actions. This practice makes me sad. I am of the opinion that unless it is your decision and your decision alone that perhaps there might be a tiny crack in your partnership. I am fortunate to have received total support for whatever decision I made, and I am happy and comfortable with the direction I chose.
I’m not justifying, but the question sent out to the universe made me think, and this is my world for noting my thoughts.
By the way, the most important thing you can take away from this post is that the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice sucked in comparison to the BBC version, that starred Colin Firth. It is a mini-series and will consume hours of your life, but if you are on the couch for a day or two, this is your happy place. I recently lent my copy to a dear friend, but only because she’s very ill. I made her sign paperwork saying that in the event of her demise, the DVD returns to my possession before anything else occurs – no family notification, no removal of corpses, I get my DVD back first. That is how much I LOVE IT.
As a recently married person who has opted to abandon my maiden name this question posed to the Internet haze made me think. I do consider myself an independent woman, even now after my oh so recent union with a certain dude. I’m learning to let go of things I use to HAVE to do for myself, such as scheduling car maintenance and trash removal from the house. I CAN do these tasks, but if he’s willing, why should I?
I do things he’s not a huge fan of and he does things that I don’t particularly enjoy. I think that’s the partnership portion of our teamwork agreement. Along with these remedial chores we have agreed to not ever fall apart on the same day – if he’s laying on the floor I’m the one who has to keep it together and vice a versa. That “it’s your turn” thing doesn’t quite translate to days when we’re cranky – we’ve figured out it is possible for both of us to be cranky at the same time and to survive it. It’s not fun, but it is survivable.
As for the name thing – I don’t believe that my decision to share a last name with my husband means I release one tiny little bit of my strong willed, hard earned independence. It is because of my autonomy that I felt I could change my name and not lose an ounce of my identity. It is because of my stong sense of self that I realized people who knew me before will always know me as the same person.
I respect those who opt(ed) to keep their maiden names. But, it doesn’t change how I see them. If they carry their father’s last name or their husband’s last name – they are still who they always were – in my eyes.
It is an adjustment, but I like it. It doesn’t make us any more or less a family, but I made this commitment for the long haul and I want to share this outward sign that to me feels intimate and public at the same time. It will also make the addressing of holiday cards and formal invitations easier.
There’s a cheesy and too sickly sweet scene at the end of the 2005 Kiera Knightley (who needs to EAT a COOKIE) version of Pride and Prejudice where she and Mr. Darcy are in their “sexy” pj’s watching the sunrise. He asks what he’s supposed to call her when he is something, head over heels in love with her and her response is “Mrs. Darcy”. Gosh, that scene makes my teeth hurt and yet the sentiment is one I can get behind.
I believe there are women who bow to the pressure of “tradition” and acquiesce to adopt their husband’s name. That’s a purposeful use of the word “acquiesce” over “choose”. Agreeing to do something and choosing are very different actions. This practice makes me sad. I am of the opinion that unless it is your decision and your decision alone that perhaps there might be a tiny crack in your partnership. I am fortunate to have received total support for whatever decision I made, and I am happy and comfortable with the direction I chose.
I’m not justifying, but the question sent out to the universe made me think, and this is my world for noting my thoughts.
By the way, the most important thing you can take away from this post is that the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice sucked in comparison to the BBC version, that starred Colin Firth. It is a mini-series and will consume hours of your life, but if you are on the couch for a day or two, this is your happy place. I recently lent my copy to a dear friend, but only because she’s very ill. I made her sign paperwork saying that in the event of her demise, the DVD returns to my possession before anything else occurs – no family notification, no removal of corpses, I get my DVD back first. That is how much I LOVE IT.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Excuse Me!?
This kind response was left to my last post:
Anonymous said...
I will not speculate on the reason(s) they seemed (insert word of your choice here i.e. shocked/surprised/annoyed/confused)but I think this is not a lesson in how you were judged but more a lesson on how you are judging them; "...we're in Nowhereville, Indiana population 1 Walmart..."
And what were you thinking when he offered you flavors? Doesn't sound like your mind was saying, "It's nice that they have a variety of flavors for me to choose from."
Maybe next time you can simply inform her that you're from Somewhereville that has a coffee house that knows what they're doing.
I have a couple retorts.
1) Feel free to chastise me on any point at any time. I try to comment on humorous events in my life and I know that my tone and my sarcasm can every once in a while hit a nerve or be taken in a way that is unintended. HOWEVER - have the guts to leave your name. Hiding behind the veil of "anonymous" is silly.
2) I myself am from a Nowhereville, USA kind of place. Little industry, few jobs and the best people on earth. I'm sure that "Nowhereville, Indiana" has a similar story. I wasn't commenting on the character of the gals behind the counter, but the absurdity that McDonalds is putting themselves out there as THE coffee place to go and yet a coffee flavored coffee was a new concept. (Honestly, she wasn't "offering me choices, she and the coffee maker gal both acted like I was crazy to order my coffee without flavor. Much in the same way they might have reacted had I ordered a Big Mac but without the meat, or a Pizza without the crust.
3) Customer service encounters are a common theme here - if you're offended, or think I'm not writing about important topics - find somewhere else to read. I've already established that this blog is trite and unimportant. I am a nobody with something to say and a free outlet to say it. I'm honored that anyone besides my mom reads this. I'm honored that my mom reads it too, but she kind of has to. (Hi Mom!) I'm honored that you read (or use to read) it - whoever you are "Anonymous."
4) You're not the first person to leave a biting "anonymous" comment. Someone misunderstood my bitching about the possible extra taxes on my severance and told me to quit whining and pay what I owe. I let that one slide because it was clear that I must have not presented my position clear enough to be understood. I will pay whatever taxes are due, but don't tax ME more on the same type of income that a former employee from any other company would be asked to pay. (I guess I didn't let it go.)
5) I'll take some ownership in not presenting my story very well, I ran out of time before a meeting with our pastor. But...I have never promised excellent or even clear writing. I'm a top of brain person, I try to edit for understanding - but in the end what you get is what you get.
6) I'm hoping no hopping (why can I not get that straight in my head - one P is to Hope and two P's are to Hop - right - Dave?) off my soapbox and back into my seriously unimportant day - and if I'm lucky something funny will happen and I can relay it here.
Anonymous said...
I will not speculate on the reason(s) they seemed (insert word of your choice here i.e. shocked/surprised/annoyed/confused)but I think this is not a lesson in how you were judged but more a lesson on how you are judging them; "...we're in Nowhereville, Indiana population 1 Walmart..."
And what were you thinking when he offered you flavors? Doesn't sound like your mind was saying, "It's nice that they have a variety of flavors for me to choose from."
Maybe next time you can simply inform her that you're from Somewhereville that has a coffee house that knows what they're doing.
I have a couple retorts.
1) Feel free to chastise me on any point at any time. I try to comment on humorous events in my life and I know that my tone and my sarcasm can every once in a while hit a nerve or be taken in a way that is unintended. HOWEVER - have the guts to leave your name. Hiding behind the veil of "anonymous" is silly.
2) I myself am from a Nowhereville, USA kind of place. Little industry, few jobs and the best people on earth. I'm sure that "Nowhereville, Indiana" has a similar story. I wasn't commenting on the character of the gals behind the counter, but the absurdity that McDonalds is putting themselves out there as THE coffee place to go and yet a coffee flavored coffee was a new concept. (Honestly, she wasn't "offering me choices, she and the coffee maker gal both acted like I was crazy to order my coffee without flavor. Much in the same way they might have reacted had I ordered a Big Mac but without the meat, or a Pizza without the crust.
3) Customer service encounters are a common theme here - if you're offended, or think I'm not writing about important topics - find somewhere else to read. I've already established that this blog is trite and unimportant. I am a nobody with something to say and a free outlet to say it. I'm honored that anyone besides my mom reads this. I'm honored that my mom reads it too, but she kind of has to. (Hi Mom!) I'm honored that you read (or use to read) it - whoever you are "Anonymous."
4) You're not the first person to leave a biting "anonymous" comment. Someone misunderstood my bitching about the possible extra taxes on my severance and told me to quit whining and pay what I owe. I let that one slide because it was clear that I must have not presented my position clear enough to be understood. I will pay whatever taxes are due, but don't tax ME more on the same type of income that a former employee from any other company would be asked to pay. (I guess I didn't let it go.)
5) I'll take some ownership in not presenting my story very well, I ran out of time before a meeting with our pastor. But...I have never promised excellent or even clear writing. I'm a top of brain person, I try to edit for understanding - but in the end what you get is what you get.
6) I'm hoping no hopping (why can I not get that straight in my head - one P is to Hope and two P's are to Hop - right - Dave?) off my soapbox and back into my seriously unimportant day - and if I'm lucky something funny will happen and I can relay it here.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Maybe this will help
Without going into a lot of detail for those of you not subjected to my daily "I'm so in love" emails - it may need to be said that things with J are going extremely well.
We are however settling into a routine that allows for more independent time to pursue our own individual interests while still enjoying each others company. Right now, I'm blogging and he's vacuuming something. I feel no obligation to run into the other room to help.
He has not only met my parents but gone "home" with me for a visit. This was a big deal, most of my best friends have never gone home with me. J was able to spend time with the Aunts and with Uncle Ed. We did the standard TPgal family event where we helped someone around their house. (This time it was my parents.) J and I hit Costco and brought M&D much needed supplies and then puttered around their house. J is technical support for the family (his and now mine) and he installed the new big screen tv.
This weekend we bought a (gasp) new bed. J's set up was more than 10 years old and needed to be refreshed. You are now wondering... are these kids shacking up!? The official answer is "of course not." I have my home and he has his. My place will likely going on the market after the holidays, but for right now I have my own place.
So, we made it to church this morning and somehow I got volunteered (meaning I didn't say no) to teach 6 weeks of Sunday School and to give a 5-7 minute talk during Advent on the "Power of Waiting." Pastor Kirby thinks "my story" is inspirational. Um.. I was angry and sad and finally decided to take control over my life. I'm sure my "speech" will be more than that. I know that my pre-2008 life taught me a lot about how to be really appreciative of the joys of my world. It's not all about the new relationship either...it's about really loving things like being active, feeling attractive, having a sense of direction and ownership over my own destiny.
The Sunday School thing is just wrong. I'm a tad bit too evil to teach Sunday School, but maybe I'll learn something. Maybe there's a life lesson for me.
Work...well, it is pretty bleak. I'm balancing the desire to get laid off with the guilt over not coming anywhere close to my normal level of work ethic. I will be looking for new work, but am likely to hang out and collect a severance check. There's something in the hopper, but no details yet.
Have a great Monday (or Sunday if you're hanging out on line.)
We are however settling into a routine that allows for more independent time to pursue our own individual interests while still enjoying each others company. Right now, I'm blogging and he's vacuuming something. I feel no obligation to run into the other room to help.
He has not only met my parents but gone "home" with me for a visit. This was a big deal, most of my best friends have never gone home with me. J was able to spend time with the Aunts and with Uncle Ed. We did the standard TPgal family event where we helped someone around their house. (This time it was my parents.) J and I hit Costco and brought M&D much needed supplies and then puttered around their house. J is technical support for the family (his and now mine) and he installed the new big screen tv.
This weekend we bought a (gasp) new bed. J's set up was more than 10 years old and needed to be refreshed. You are now wondering... are these kids shacking up!? The official answer is "of course not." I have my home and he has his. My place will likely going on the market after the holidays, but for right now I have my own place.
So, we made it to church this morning and somehow I got volunteered (meaning I didn't say no) to teach 6 weeks of Sunday School and to give a 5-7 minute talk during Advent on the "Power of Waiting." Pastor Kirby thinks "my story" is inspirational. Um.. I was angry and sad and finally decided to take control over my life. I'm sure my "speech" will be more than that. I know that my pre-2008 life taught me a lot about how to be really appreciative of the joys of my world. It's not all about the new relationship either...it's about really loving things like being active, feeling attractive, having a sense of direction and ownership over my own destiny.
The Sunday School thing is just wrong. I'm a tad bit too evil to teach Sunday School, but maybe I'll learn something. Maybe there's a life lesson for me.
Work...well, it is pretty bleak. I'm balancing the desire to get laid off with the guilt over not coming anywhere close to my normal level of work ethic. I will be looking for new work, but am likely to hang out and collect a severance check. There's something in the hopper, but no details yet.
Have a great Monday (or Sunday if you're hanging out on line.)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Party Recap
Well, to say that I'm honored by my friends is an understatement. I am blessed with kind, creative and lovely people.
The weather tried to dampen our event, but Rico and Cindy's home is ideal for entertaining, so we set up indoors and it was stunning. Flowers and candlelight made for an elegant evening.
Special thanks to J for sending flowers in his absence. I think it's possible that he might be a great guy.
The room was filled with my friends from every corner of my life. Book club ladies, friends from grade school, my beloved college friends, loved co-workers, and friends of friends who have become dear friends. It was strange to see them all in the same place, but wonderful to see them mingling and enjoying each other the way I enjoy them.
Folks embraced the Slam portion of the evening, enduring a little emotional speech from the TP gal and then blew me away with their humor, creativity and kindness.
MWR owned the room with his take on the Carpenter's Song "Close to You":
Why do banks
Suddenly go awry
Everytime you're nearby?
Just like me
They long to be
Blogged about.
Why do guys
Show up by the crate
Everytime you match.com date?
Just like me
They long to be
Blogged about.
On the day that you were born
The angels got together and decided
To create a blogging queen
So they sprinkled mild disgust in your hair
Of gold and too much info in your eyes of blue
That is why all the crazy bus riders in town
follow you all around
Just like me
They long to be
Blogged about...
At the end of the song, the entire room was singing "Woo Woo... Blogged About"
Misty and her man from Denver couldn't make it and send in a poem that tore the room apart.
I can't (won't) share the whole thing but here's a horrific stanza:
Horny as a teen girl,
Searching for a man toy.
Online for love,
Found a booty-call boy.
OH MY GOD... I had a little 'esplanin to do.
Then there was Mikey who wrote this sweet Ode:
Worried to death about my inability to create rhyming
We trekked to Issaquah with excellent timing
So on this day we celebrate the day
When, via many routes the TPGAL came our way
Her sense of humor, an attribute we all treasure
Sometimes goes south but is generally a pleasure
In her invitation, she asked us to bring a single man 38-48
Since when's it our job to get her a date?
Now she has a man whose name is (rhymes with the next line)
Maybe that brings an end , her days of man chasin?
All joking aside, you've been a great "super cute" friend,
I hope the joys of your youth never end.
Becky stood up and regaled the room with fun stories of how she and I spend college. I think they really loved the reprisal of the underwear banjo band.
JJ did a lovely poem about masturbation, while MJS steamed up the room with a haiku about banana cream pie.
All in all, I was touched by every person and had possibly the best birthday imaginable. Even the folks who couldn't come were there in spirit. I do feel like my life is completely charmed at the moment, it is wonderful to be aware of being so happy.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts, wonderful gifts, donation to the Renton Food Bank and your presence in my life. I'm so not worthy!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Happy 40th TP gal
So far, 40 is fine. I slept in today for the first time in ages (what is with the 6 am wake up on a Saturday!?) My fabulous boyfriend (who is in Denver - boo) woke me up with sweet mushy messages. I made a lovely breakfast for myself and am about to head to the gym.It is raining, which means the back yard party will have to migrate inside - but that's fine. I'm determined to have a great time, rain or not.
After the gym I wandered over to Target where my "soap" ended up costing me $103.00. Damn the meandering.
My new haircut is so cute! The new shops at SouthCenter are deadly. I think I got out of there for song, 1 black sweater thing from the Black|White store and a sun dress for tonight. Oh, I know I already purchased a dress for tonight, but I'm not feeling it. This one is great and it has pockets so I can carry my boyfriend (iPhone) with me for the evening. I'll upload a photo before I leave.
The party tonight is a slam, which means my people have been asked to write a poem or a song or something to perform. I'm a cruel evil hostess! My poems in the past have lamented my lack of a love life and now that I'm experiencing it for the first time, I couldn't find my inspiration.
I'm a list maker so, I popped off with a list of 40 things for which I'm grateful.
(DON'T READ IF YOU'RE COMING TONIGHT!)
- Good friends who are like family
- Healthy parents
- New babies
- Gainful employment
- Tasty wine
- An awareness of being really happy
- The ability to tell people you love them
- The ability to feel their love in return
- Laughing so hard that you snort
- Flowers for no reason
- Christmas Trees
- My friends kids who think I am cool
- My new smaller ass
- A great book
- Sunsets at the beach
- Bellybutton lint
- My fabulous new boyfriend
- Creativity
- Sleeping in
- The awareness that my life is charmed
- The ability to help others
- Joyful singing in the car; I look dumb and don’t care!
- Holding hands at the movies
- Good quality cheese
- The ability to laugh at myself
- Bar-B-Q MEAT (sorry little cow, but you taste GOOD!)
- Hot red shoes
- Hot soup on a cold day
- Road trips
- Well placed rest areas
- Good oral health – floss people!
- Three weeks in Greece
- Someone who is already planning on missing me while I’m in Greece
- Happy memories of things in the past
- Planning ahead for things we’re going to do
- Watching your kids get older
- Falling in love for the first time
- Happy tears
- Each and every one of you
- Turning 40 and feeling fantastic
IF AUGUST 9 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: You may feel as though you are having an endless bad hair day between now and October. Because you aren't feeling at your best in one-on-one situations or because a relationship leaves you feeling unattractive, you might do something impulsive to change the trend. The wisest thing to do is to simply wait out this temporary downturn and avoid making irrevocable changes that you may regret later. During November your judgment improves and you can make changes that will be beneficial. Between December and February you must meet responsibilities head on even if they seem tiresome. By April and May your fortunes are on the rise again and you can easily mend any fences that need attention.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Where I'm at... And a POEM
The thing about being sad is that you have to pick yourself up and move on. It doesn't mean I'm not feeling a tad raw and exposed. I openly cried at the vet while taking care of the bill. A little girl was very interested in my situation. "Mommy! Why is that lady crying???" All I could do was wipe off and smile. I put all the cat paraphernalia away and kept music on last night to distract myself from the quiet. I did hear phantom Peter sounds all night, but those will fade.
One of the e-boyfriends is in trouble over this situation. He emailed Thursday asking about MegaBank and suggested that we transition from email to phone. I responded with a brief thing about MB that while neither I nor my team was affected it was a hard day, and on top of that drama my cat of 14 years was ill. I wasn't feeling like my normal chipper self and said I would call him Monday. "I know it's "just" a cat, but I'm a little heartbroken. I sincerely hope you have a great weekend and thank you for understanding."
Ok… it is MONDAY and he didn’t send ANY reply at all. Not even a short "talk to you Monday." I don't need this dude to be my emotional support person, but a teeny tiny splash of compassion might be in order. I'm thinking I don't need to be calling today…if/when he replies I'll call. I'm still doing the editing of who does or doesn't get into my world… yes there are 40 women for every dude, but damn it I'm worthy of the best!
ANYWAY… here's my poem from the slam. Some of the rhymes are very bad and for that I apologize.
The 40 Is Just a Number Slam Poem:
Hello to those of you who haven’t seen me of late
It may be obvious that I’ve lost a little bit of weight,
Things are changing in my life; exercise I no longer hate
I’m active, having a blast and even starting to date
For the most part, this crazy process is pretty fun
Find a guy, who when you show up doesn’t run
Spend some time together and at end if it feels right.
Drop me off at my door for a sweet kiss good-night
The pool of men in my world has a lot of variety
And not just ones who are with me for charity
There are some though that are mighty scary,
Let’s not forget the one that was still married
This guy invited me to a party; a real hum-dinger,
Casual, hot-tubs, consensual ... Shit, this guy was a swinger!
The Architect was smooth, funny and had a good line,
We enjoyed the evening, talked and drank quite a bit of wine.
By the way, to make sure a second outing you will not rate,
Go ahead, give in, and enjoy some sex on the first date
I’ll be honest, at first I was a little pissed, kind of burned,
With time, I’ve realized it was a fun way to a lesson learned.
In the end, I am looking for my one true love,
Someone who gets me and fits like a glove.
It is still so very early and I have lots of time,
So this is me filled with hope, and I end my rhyme.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
TP gal aka "The Slugger"
I'm on the church co-ed softball team again this year. You may recall that two years ago we took the championship for the Renton Inner City Lower Recreational League (Lower Rec indicates we are the least professional of all non-professional teams.)
Last year we had a great record but on play off day we lost our first game and were eliminated. It was hotter than a vat of oil (what!?) that day and our "ringers" were out but they did beat us fair and square.
So far our record is 3 and 1. I was hoping for a rain out today, but as the hour of the same approached I changed my clothes and headed to the park. The team cheered when I arrived as I rounded out the minimum number of people to play and we wouldn't be charged with a forfeit if the game was called. The other team was scrambling for people and in the end we allowed them to borrow one of our guys as a catcher until their team members could get there.
It was a sad sad sight... the field was a muddy mess and they immediately got four runs. We were able to get the next three players out one - two - three.
Our first up to bat was actually pretty horrifying. We scored 10 runs and was half way through the rotation a second time before they finally ended the inning.
I made it to base on a walk and the next batter moved me to third with an unfortunate bobble at the short stop. My first scoring run was the next hit. (cheers for tpgal!)
The pitcher got me out my next at bat and then in the 5th I was up and hit a grounder (with umph I might add) straight at the pitcher. I thought I was out for sure, but I felt I had done my job by advancing the runner. Her throw to first was a lob that my dead grammy could have caught - but it overshot the first baseman and I got to take second. The next batter made it to first but in the confusion as to where to throw the ball the damned third base coach waved me in.
People... TPgal DOES NOT RUN. It is not a pretty sight - but somehow I beat the throw to home to score my second run (ever!)
The other folks played well too (this is MY blog... if they want glory they should write their own) and the ump called the game at 24-4.
As soon as we stepped off the field and opened a beer (we're church people... we aren't judgey up-tight people) the sky dumped on us like crazy. So, while I prayed for rain (and got rain) in the end it was a fun day.
Last year we had a great record but on play off day we lost our first game and were eliminated. It was hotter than a vat of oil (what!?) that day and our "ringers" were out but they did beat us fair and square.
So far our record is 3 and 1. I was hoping for a rain out today, but as the hour of the same approached I changed my clothes and headed to the park. The team cheered when I arrived as I rounded out the minimum number of people to play and we wouldn't be charged with a forfeit if the game was called. The other team was scrambling for people and in the end we allowed them to borrow one of our guys as a catcher until their team members could get there.
It was a sad sad sight... the field was a muddy mess and they immediately got four runs. We were able to get the next three players out one - two - three.
Our first up to bat was actually pretty horrifying. We scored 10 runs and was half way through the rotation a second time before they finally ended the inning.
I made it to base on a walk and the next batter moved me to third with an unfortunate bobble at the short stop. My first scoring run was the next hit. (cheers for tpgal!)
The pitcher got me out my next at bat and then in the 5th I was up and hit a grounder (with umph I might add) straight at the pitcher. I thought I was out for sure, but I felt I had done my job by advancing the runner. Her throw to first was a lob that my dead grammy could have caught - but it overshot the first baseman and I got to take second. The next batter made it to first but in the confusion as to where to throw the ball the damned third base coach waved me in.
People... TPgal DOES NOT RUN. It is not a pretty sight - but somehow I beat the throw to home to score my second run (ever!)
The other folks played well too (this is MY blog... if they want glory they should write their own) and the ump called the game at 24-4.
As soon as we stepped off the field and opened a beer (we're church people... we aren't judgey up-tight people) the sky dumped on us like crazy. So, while I prayed for rain (and got rain) in the end it was a fun day.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
A better frame of mind
My bags are packed, the cat box has been re-freshened (someday I will create a cat that doesn't poop - that will be my gift to the world!), dishes are done and I'm mostly ready to go!
I can't find my digital camera battery charger and I think I've looked everywhere. Obviously I haven't looked everywhere or I would have it. I remember the outlet I last used it in, but Ive had dinner guests since then so it could be ANYWHERE.
What you ask is the connection between the battery charger and dinner guests? The answer my friends is frantic last minute cleaning - and surface cleaning at that. You know, the last minute sweep through of anything out of place. It goes in a big pile to someplace the guests will never go. Yes, I've already checked the laundry area and the scary places in the "office". It will I'm sure magically appear the day I get back.
We leave tomorrow at 7:45 am - so I'm picking up Mr. Rico at 6:00 a.m. thank heavens there's a drive thru starbucks on the way to his house.
I don't expect to get blackberry service in Mexico - but I'm sure the hotel has a business center so you may be getting an update.
I did stop by Tropic Dreams for one last fake 'n bake. The gal suggested upping the minutes so I was adventurous and gave myself a 7 minute top off. Most of you have never done the tanning bed thing - Janie use to be totally tan-arexic until she had to have a little something burned off her skin, now she's a pasty white as God intended. Anywho - the build up to 7 minutes is actually funny because the leatherettes around me at the check-in counter are signing up for 16-20 minute sessions. Good Christ are they cooking a chicken in there? As it was, for me anyway, 7 minutes was enough to feel a little crispy. No matter - I'm done with the fake tanning (until my prince charming comes to whisk me away to Greece for a year - I may have to top off the exoskeleton when that happens.)
I guess that's it. maybe though I'll leave you with some (OLD) "poetry" to tide you over.
Here's an oldie from 1998:
I can't find my digital camera battery charger and I think I've looked everywhere. Obviously I haven't looked everywhere or I would have it. I remember the outlet I last used it in, but Ive had dinner guests since then so it could be ANYWHERE.
What you ask is the connection between the battery charger and dinner guests? The answer my friends is frantic last minute cleaning - and surface cleaning at that. You know, the last minute sweep through of anything out of place. It goes in a big pile to someplace the guests will never go. Yes, I've already checked the laundry area and the scary places in the "office". It will I'm sure magically appear the day I get back.
We leave tomorrow at 7:45 am - so I'm picking up Mr. Rico at 6:00 a.m. thank heavens there's a drive thru starbucks on the way to his house.
I don't expect to get blackberry service in Mexico - but I'm sure the hotel has a business center so you may be getting an update.
I did stop by Tropic Dreams for one last fake 'n bake. The gal suggested upping the minutes so I was adventurous and gave myself a 7 minute top off. Most of you have never done the tanning bed thing - Janie use to be totally tan-arexic until she had to have a little something burned off her skin, now she's a pasty white as God intended. Anywho - the build up to 7 minutes is actually funny because the leatherettes around me at the check-in counter are signing up for 16-20 minute sessions. Good Christ are they cooking a chicken in there? As it was, for me anyway, 7 minutes was enough to feel a little crispy. No matter - I'm done with the fake tanning (until my prince charming comes to whisk me away to Greece for a year - I may have to top off the exoskeleton when that happens.)
I guess that's it. maybe though I'll leave you with some (OLD) "poetry" to tide you over.
Here's an oldie from 1998:
6501 1/2
Ode to my upstairs neighbors
(also a primary driver for moving )
Ode to my upstairs neighbors
(also a primary driver for moving )
I put my book down and turn off the light
my lids close and I'm embraced by the night
This is the time for quiet to grow,
instead my ear drums begin to blow
I can hear every word, every intonation
every noise, every tiny reverberation
at 11 they lay in bed, laugh and talk
by midnight, I'm angry and want to balk
at 1 they're watching a dirty movie
by 2 they're quiet... in a little groovie
at 2:15, I'm frustraited, wide awake
upstairs the bed moves and the ceiling shakes
I hear a sigh, a coo and a yearning moan
She calls out a name and yells a groan
Above me the movement slows and I think they're done
but no they start again, having pleased just one
It sounds to me like digging for buried treasure,
she's pretty vocal about her ambassador of pleasure
at 4am I just want to roll over and die
and finally I hear it - the girls last sigh
I drift away into a dark bliss
the alarm sounds... fuck it's 6!
I make it to work and slump at my desk
plop my head down for a little rest
The phone rings, my head flies up disturbing the pool,
I have to wipe my face, remove the drool
What did I do to deserve this degradation?
How do I endure nightly sleep deprivation?
Tonight I'm ready, I have ear plugs
and have filled my body with hard core drugs
I snuggle in my bead, ready for a riot
but its peaceful upstairs, blissfully quiet
I can't hear nary a peep
I softly drift ... off...to...sleep
my lids close and I'm embraced by the night
This is the time for quiet to grow,
instead my ear drums begin to blow
I can hear every word, every intonation
every noise, every tiny reverberation
at 11 they lay in bed, laugh and talk
by midnight, I'm angry and want to balk
at 1 they're watching a dirty movie
by 2 they're quiet... in a little groovie
at 2:15, I'm frustraited, wide awake
upstairs the bed moves and the ceiling shakes
I hear a sigh, a coo and a yearning moan
She calls out a name and yells a groan
Above me the movement slows and I think they're done
but no they start again, having pleased just one
It sounds to me like digging for buried treasure,
she's pretty vocal about her ambassador of pleasure
at 4am I just want to roll over and die
and finally I hear it - the girls last sigh
I drift away into a dark bliss
the alarm sounds... fuck it's 6!
I make it to work and slump at my desk
plop my head down for a little rest
The phone rings, my head flies up disturbing the pool,
I have to wipe my face, remove the drool
What did I do to deserve this degradation?
How do I endure nightly sleep deprivation?
Tonight I'm ready, I have ear plugs
and have filled my body with hard core drugs
I snuggle in my bead, ready for a riot
but its peaceful upstairs, blissfully quiet
I can't hear nary a peep
I softly drift ... off...to...sleep
Certainly not Ogden Nash, but it is based on a true event.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Happy Easter
Yaz turned me on to Slate.com blogging the bible and it got me thinking... what else is out there... so I googled the Lego Jesus and came up with the Brick Testament, a cute and well crafted slide show of the life and times of Jesus.
It's Good Friday, so I snipped this as a sample for you: (the angel rolls away the stone and the guards tremble and fall as if dead)
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