I started writing again last night. For real. Sometimes, I can’t help myself. I just wish I had more time to devote to it.
In fact, the whole thing started up again when Brett took me out for lunch. There I was – sitting next to the man I love, by the window of a sunshiny restaurant on a beautiful day with the delicious smells of fresh bagels and cream cheese just wafting by – and I’m imagining how cool it would be for my characters - Josh and HER - to direct an electronic pulse through the window of a café causing a heart attack in their mark who steps outside his office to grab a hot dog from a street vendor. The whole plot storyline also includes a very cool GPS laptop and a laser IN HER SHOE!
And when Brett asks me what I’m thinking, I say, “Oh nothing. How’s your soup?”
If he only knew.
Brett has a lot of faith in me. It’s one of those mixed blessing. While it’s great and infinitely encouraging having a husband who thinks you can hang the moon, it’s also a lot of pressure.
He knows how much I love to write, and one of his favorite things to say is, “Baby, I know you can write a best seller! Then, I can retire.”
But, Brett is NO bookworm. A book collector – yes. A book reader – no. Over the years, he amassed a HUGE library of biblical books. I could never figure out why he would buy books that he would never read. He has a learning disability that forces him to read every word twice before comprehending it, so you can imagine reading is no day at the park for him.
I was relieved (immensely) when he decided to donate the books to our church for Pastor’s library. I never figured out if owning the books made him feel like he was ultimately going to read them or for other people to assume that he had read them.
But then again, you are hearing this from a girl who ONLY buys books if she’s already checked them out from the library 20+ times and still wants to read them. I take book-buying very seriously in a land of libraries. I hate to waste that valuable resource!
Anyway, back to writing. My latest venture is the tale of two assassins-in-training – Josh and Her/She. Her/She does not have an identity, a birth certificate, or any record of her existence, which really does make for the perfect assassin’s background. Anyhoo, these two early twenty-somethings were raised as children in an unconventional way by an older assassin (the back story of how the three of them came together is FASCINATING but it’s integral to the plot twists, so I’m not revealing it…YET) who is now training them to take over his business.
It’s fun writing, and I like the characters. The older assassin is named Jaeger (pronounced like Mick Jagger). I’m actually thinking of that for the title.
Speaking of fun characters to write for – I’m having a hard time keeping twin, teen heartthrobs Sam and Harry Hathaway as side characters in Bruised. When I write dialog for their scenes, it’s like I’m not even writing. I’m just listening to them talk.
Carleen was reviewing my manuscript the other day, and she told me the interactions between Harry and Sam were the best. She said their scenes were the most real and grounded the rest of the story in truth.
So, that’s good. Except for that they’re NOT my main characters. Huh. Maybe they should be. But I’d hate to give them top billing. They’re very bad boys.
Rebellious. Great looking. Very bad boys.
I worked on Bruised some more last night. I’m still having trouble with the plot twists. I hope inspiration strikes soon. I’d hate for it to be YET ANOTHER young adult novel with no point.
I was hoping to get some more writing done tonight, but Brett’s dad called last night. He wants us to come up and have dinner with him and the parents of one of Brett’s high school friends. So, to be a good wife and daughter-in-law, I should go.
Writing goes on the back burner yet again. But who’s to say what I can dream up on the ride up to Geneva? Oh, if I only had a laser IN MY SHOE.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
My Magnificent, Marvelous Mom!
In 1944, a handsome young man bravely headed off to join the United States Army in fighting for world freedom in World War II. He left behind a growing family with a brand new baby. This precious baby would eventually grow up to become the magnificent woman who is my mother.
One of our family’s (the B, J & A-M Trotter’s) favorite stories comes from Grandma as she tells us that my mom was probably cuddled more, held tighter, and prayed over more as a baby than any of the other children in the Rehfeldt family. With her husband away in the midst of WWII gunfire, my grandmother didn’t know if she would ever see him again. So, she held tight to her baby, my mom, not knowing if this baby would be her last.
Thankfully, my grandfather returned from war safely, and my grandmother went on to have more children – bringing the number up to 12!
My mother grew up in a house without indoor plumbing. She was a tomboy who loved to play sports and was often out late and had to be called back in for dinner. I can almost see her rounding those bases, her brown braids flying out behind her.
A family legend tells the story of how my mom would always leave right after dinner to go play baseball and would constantly miss her turn to do dishes. This legend is NOT true, my mother assures me, “I did plenty of dishes, believe you me,” she often says.
She had a lot of friends who loved the outdoors as much as she did. There was one person she wasn’t as fond of – “Whenever we’d see Carol (my Aunt Carol), I’d tell everyone to hide, so she wouldn’t come play with us!” She tells me, blushing.
Mom came to know the Lord at a young age and was the first convert of a new “young” pastor, Pastor Melvin Swanson, of Berean Baptist Church. She dedicated her life from then on to serving the Lord.
When she was college-age, she headed off to Moody Bible Institute where she met and married my dad, Robert Trotter. She and Dad lived in Chicago for a number of years before moving back to Rockford.
Mom agonized over the fact that she and Dad couldn’t have children. They tried for eleven years with no results. As her friends and her sisters had baby after baby, Mom’s heart was broken for a child of her own. When my dad said “no” to adoption, my mom says she looked out her kitchen window and said, “You know what that means, Lord. You are my only option.”
A little while later, after a visit to the doctor for what mom thought was the flu, she received the good news that she was pregnant with me! Mom and Dad welcomed me with their amazing brand of godly, parental love that I have come to be in awe of, even today.
Five years later, Mom and Dad suffered through a terrible emotional and physical miscarriage. My little brother or sister resides in heaven. Now with our dad.
Mom and Dad provided a wonderful home and haven for their daughter. I grew up amidst Mom’s love of popcorn, Murder She Wrote, cross-stitching, and decorating.
Mom worked various jobs – daycare teacher, retail sales. Her main job was not strangling me to death when I was a mouthy thirteen years old with a sarcastic wit.
She saw me through high school and college. Just as she and Dad were settling down to become “empty nesters,” the Lord took Dad home to Heaven. That is when I learned what my mom was made of.
They were horrible years, emotionally punishing and rip-your-heart-out painful. But, my mom. Oh, my mom. I’d hear her crying at night. We cried together. And still she clung to the Lord. He was her comfort. Her strength. Her refuge. I learned what a Christian is, what a Christian should be, as I watched my mom go through the trial of Dad’s death.
It is a shadow that will never fade. A reminder of what God can do.
After three years, Mom met a godly bachelor, Gary. After a courtship (that was TOO cute to see!), they were married. She and Gary now live ten minutes from us.
Mom is undoubtedly my best friend. I hope that’s the best compliment I can pay her, since I’m starting to cry even as I type this. There aren’t enough beautiful words to describe how I love my mom.
So, a short history of her amazing life thus far, and three words to the woman I love more any other – Happy Birthday, Mom!
One of our family’s (the B, J & A-M Trotter’s) favorite stories comes from Grandma as she tells us that my mom was probably cuddled more, held tighter, and prayed over more as a baby than any of the other children in the Rehfeldt family. With her husband away in the midst of WWII gunfire, my grandmother didn’t know if she would ever see him again. So, she held tight to her baby, my mom, not knowing if this baby would be her last.
Thankfully, my grandfather returned from war safely, and my grandmother went on to have more children – bringing the number up to 12!
My mother grew up in a house without indoor plumbing. She was a tomboy who loved to play sports and was often out late and had to be called back in for dinner. I can almost see her rounding those bases, her brown braids flying out behind her.
A family legend tells the story of how my mom would always leave right after dinner to go play baseball and would constantly miss her turn to do dishes. This legend is NOT true, my mother assures me, “I did plenty of dishes, believe you me,” she often says.
She had a lot of friends who loved the outdoors as much as she did. There was one person she wasn’t as fond of – “Whenever we’d see Carol (my Aunt Carol), I’d tell everyone to hide, so she wouldn’t come play with us!” She tells me, blushing.
Mom came to know the Lord at a young age and was the first convert of a new “young” pastor, Pastor Melvin Swanson, of Berean Baptist Church. She dedicated her life from then on to serving the Lord.
When she was college-age, she headed off to Moody Bible Institute where she met and married my dad, Robert Trotter. She and Dad lived in Chicago for a number of years before moving back to Rockford.
Mom agonized over the fact that she and Dad couldn’t have children. They tried for eleven years with no results. As her friends and her sisters had baby after baby, Mom’s heart was broken for a child of her own. When my dad said “no” to adoption, my mom says she looked out her kitchen window and said, “You know what that means, Lord. You are my only option.”
A little while later, after a visit to the doctor for what mom thought was the flu, she received the good news that she was pregnant with me! Mom and Dad welcomed me with their amazing brand of godly, parental love that I have come to be in awe of, even today.
Five years later, Mom and Dad suffered through a terrible emotional and physical miscarriage. My little brother or sister resides in heaven. Now with our dad.
Mom and Dad provided a wonderful home and haven for their daughter. I grew up amidst Mom’s love of popcorn, Murder She Wrote, cross-stitching, and decorating.
Mom worked various jobs – daycare teacher, retail sales. Her main job was not strangling me to death when I was a mouthy thirteen years old with a sarcastic wit.
She saw me through high school and college. Just as she and Dad were settling down to become “empty nesters,” the Lord took Dad home to Heaven. That is when I learned what my mom was made of.
They were horrible years, emotionally punishing and rip-your-heart-out painful. But, my mom. Oh, my mom. I’d hear her crying at night. We cried together. And still she clung to the Lord. He was her comfort. Her strength. Her refuge. I learned what a Christian is, what a Christian should be, as I watched my mom go through the trial of Dad’s death.
It is a shadow that will never fade. A reminder of what God can do.
After three years, Mom met a godly bachelor, Gary. After a courtship (that was TOO cute to see!), they were married. She and Gary now live ten minutes from us.
Mom is undoubtedly my best friend. I hope that’s the best compliment I can pay her, since I’m starting to cry even as I type this. There aren’t enough beautiful words to describe how I love my mom.
So, a short history of her amazing life thus far, and three words to the woman I love more any other – Happy Birthday, Mom!
Prayer for Protection
Please pray for my Mom and my Aunt Jan as they travel to Kansas City today.
They are driving down to stay with my cousin Michael, his pregnant wife Danielle, and their four children for a couple of days, and then just with Danielle and the kids as Michael goes out of town.
Please pray they will be safe on the roads. And that other drivers will be kept safe from them.
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Danielle's Blog Site - http://www.sturgillfamily.blogspot.com/
They are driving down to stay with my cousin Michael, his pregnant wife Danielle, and their four children for a couple of days, and then just with Danielle and the kids as Michael goes out of town.
Please pray they will be safe on the roads. And that other drivers will be kept safe from them.
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Danielle's Blog Site - http://www.sturgillfamily.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
But Mine Really Is
Pretty cards, dressed in pink, proudly proclaim, “To the Best Mom in the World!”
But mine really is.
Gold pendants dangle and silver hearts sparkle, emblazoned with “#1 Mom!”
But mine really is.
Fertile mothers scuttle around in comfy sweatshirts announcing “I’m a great mom! Just ask Brittany, Colin, and Jill.”
Birthstone necklaces abound. One gem for Madison, another for Michaela, and don’t forget Jack.
Syrupy sentiments shout “World’s Best Mom!” on everything from refrigerator magnets to coffee cups.
So, go ahead. Choose one for that special mom in your life. Show her how much you care by giving her the gift of “The Best Mom in the World!”
It’s okay. I’ll keep the secret. Because I know mine really is.
But mine really is.
Gold pendants dangle and silver hearts sparkle, emblazoned with “#1 Mom!”
But mine really is.
Fertile mothers scuttle around in comfy sweatshirts announcing “I’m a great mom! Just ask Brittany, Colin, and Jill.”
Birthstone necklaces abound. One gem for Madison, another for Michaela, and don’t forget Jack.
Syrupy sentiments shout “World’s Best Mom!” on everything from refrigerator magnets to coffee cups.
So, go ahead. Choose one for that special mom in your life. Show her how much you care by giving her the gift of “The Best Mom in the World!”
It’s okay. I’ll keep the secret. Because I know mine really is.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Shopping While Shapely
I don’t know what’s wrong with American retailers.
Don’t they see all this information about how America is facing an obesity crisis?
Don’t they know that 1 out of every whatever number of people are overweight in this country?
Don’t they know that HALF of those people are women?
Why is it that retailers/designers/store buyers believe that a woman loses her good taste and fashion sense just because she is overweight? Obesity is not a mental condition that impairs our vision.
Why CAN’T we find the variety and quality of clothes that Little Miss Size Six has access to? Fat people are the MAJORITY! The retailers should be CATERING to us.
We have money in our pockets, too. We shouldn’t have to settle for giant white shirts with little horizontal red lines or plain khaki Capri pants. Where are OUR designers T-shirts, classic jeans, or just plain trendy clothes?
How about making something for us that ISN’T in a primary color?
It’s a well known fact that I love the color black. And while my friends may tease me by saying “There ARE other colors, you know,” I’m proud of wearing mostly black outfits. It’s classy.
I mean, I’m no Audrey Hepburn, but most of my stuff stays in fashion and lasts longer simply because black never goes out of style.
Yesterday, Carleen and I went shopping at Kohl’s. She needed a new outfit for her new foray into the home party business – USBORNE Books. I was there for moral support and to offer my opinion if needed.
Now, Carleen has never been overweight. But after the birth of her two children, she kicked herself into overdrive and has (through exercise and healthy eating) whittled herself down to a pretty small size.
As I wandered through the wonderland that is the Misses section, I was amazed at the choices. The quality and variety of the clothes were almost overwhelming. I found myself picking out dozens of outfits that I would wear if I were ever…
I visited the Women’s section later and saw the same old tired choices of light colored T-shirts sans designs, old lady pants with elastic waistbands, and Sunday dresses straight out of a 1980’s catalog. Yep. Those were MY choices.
Carleen walked out with two beautiful outfits. I left with my purse still zipped and a new sense of appreciation for stores that DO cater to the MAJORITY of American female shoppers - places like Lane Bryant that support shapely women like me.
However, I was more than a little irritated I was made to feel like an unequal just by going shopping. I mean, I KNOW I’m NOT a lesser person, just because I don’t WEIGH less. But standing in the fashion desert that was the Women’s section at Kohl’s, I felt like I mattered less to the store and the designers who don’t design clothes for the rest of us.
I guess I just decided I won’t LET them make me feel inferior. I’m writing a letter to Kohl’s today requesting that they start offering high-quality, trendy clothes for REAL women.
And if they don’t, then I’ll have to go elsewhere.
TAWANDA! Face it, Kohl’s. I’m shapely, and I have more to offer.
Don’t they see all this information about how America is facing an obesity crisis?
Don’t they know that 1 out of every whatever number of people are overweight in this country?
Don’t they know that HALF of those people are women?
Why is it that retailers/designers/store buyers believe that a woman loses her good taste and fashion sense just because she is overweight? Obesity is not a mental condition that impairs our vision.
Why CAN’T we find the variety and quality of clothes that Little Miss Size Six has access to? Fat people are the MAJORITY! The retailers should be CATERING to us.
We have money in our pockets, too. We shouldn’t have to settle for giant white shirts with little horizontal red lines or plain khaki Capri pants. Where are OUR designers T-shirts, classic jeans, or just plain trendy clothes?
How about making something for us that ISN’T in a primary color?
It’s a well known fact that I love the color black. And while my friends may tease me by saying “There ARE other colors, you know,” I’m proud of wearing mostly black outfits. It’s classy.
I mean, I’m no Audrey Hepburn, but most of my stuff stays in fashion and lasts longer simply because black never goes out of style.
Yesterday, Carleen and I went shopping at Kohl’s. She needed a new outfit for her new foray into the home party business – USBORNE Books. I was there for moral support and to offer my opinion if needed.
Now, Carleen has never been overweight. But after the birth of her two children, she kicked herself into overdrive and has (through exercise and healthy eating) whittled herself down to a pretty small size.
As I wandered through the wonderland that is the Misses section, I was amazed at the choices. The quality and variety of the clothes were almost overwhelming. I found myself picking out dozens of outfits that I would wear if I were ever…
I visited the Women’s section later and saw the same old tired choices of light colored T-shirts sans designs, old lady pants with elastic waistbands, and Sunday dresses straight out of a 1980’s catalog. Yep. Those were MY choices.
Carleen walked out with two beautiful outfits. I left with my purse still zipped and a new sense of appreciation for stores that DO cater to the MAJORITY of American female shoppers - places like Lane Bryant that support shapely women like me.
However, I was more than a little irritated I was made to feel like an unequal just by going shopping. I mean, I KNOW I’m NOT a lesser person, just because I don’t WEIGH less. But standing in the fashion desert that was the Women’s section at Kohl’s, I felt like I mattered less to the store and the designers who don’t design clothes for the rest of us.
I guess I just decided I won’t LET them make me feel inferior. I’m writing a letter to Kohl’s today requesting that they start offering high-quality, trendy clothes for REAL women.
And if they don’t, then I’ll have to go elsewhere.
TAWANDA! Face it, Kohl’s. I’m shapely, and I have more to offer.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Heartbreaking Hurt
Have you ever received news that made you feel like you were being punched in the stomach?
I received this kind of news yesterday. Something I never saw coming. Something tragic happened to a good friend of mine – something that will change her life, for the rest of her life.
My heart broke in two for her. Hurt is so human. It’s understandable we long for “heaven and home” when appalling circumstances cause heart wrenching pain.
How I feel for my dear friend! She is so precious to me, and what is so amazing about her is her reaction to her situation. She is a believer, but bearing up under a strain that many believers would instantly buckle under (including, I’m sure, myself), and I can’t express my love and support for her enough.
Please pray with me that God will be with her through this most difficult and stressful time. That He would fill her with peace and strength. That He would comfort her in her time of need.
We can be confident that God will take care of His children!
I received this kind of news yesterday. Something I never saw coming. Something tragic happened to a good friend of mine – something that will change her life, for the rest of her life.
My heart broke in two for her. Hurt is so human. It’s understandable we long for “heaven and home” when appalling circumstances cause heart wrenching pain.
How I feel for my dear friend! She is so precious to me, and what is so amazing about her is her reaction to her situation. She is a believer, but bearing up under a strain that many believers would instantly buckle under (including, I’m sure, myself), and I can’t express my love and support for her enough.
Please pray with me that God will be with her through this most difficult and stressful time. That He would fill her with peace and strength. That He would comfort her in her time of need.
We can be confident that God will take care of His children!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The Reason I’m Blogging = BOO!!!
It’s early in the morning, and I really should be sleeping, since we are going to see Fiddler on the Roof at Fireside today.
But I can’t.
Two reasons. One, I had entirely too much caffeine, in the form of TWO GIANT Diet Cokes at the movie theater tonight. Second, Angie and I watched two very good, but also suspenseful-bordering-on-scary movies, and all I can see when I close my eyes is people jumping out at me.
So, therefore, I am awake.
We watched Disturbia and The Invisible. Both were good, but Disturbia was really, really good - even though we saw it in a theater packed full of junior high girls who screamed at every jolt. It was THAT good, I barely noticed the screamers.
I’ve been SO busy this past week that I’ve had NO time to blog, but there is SO much to blog about. To get caught up on.
I’ll do my best.
Since last Friday, every time something happened, I found myself full of observations. But as time passes, I find myself forgetting my observations, and I have to talk myself out of taking the easy route of just boiling everything down to one sentence.
For instance, after our church’s Women’s Bible Conference, I might have talked about the speaker, the topics, and the food. Now, I’m just tempted to say that I WENT to our church’s bible conference and leave it at that.
Some of you may say, “Just do that! Your blog entries are LONG enough as it is.”
But WHEN have you known ME to settle for being concise?! Remember? I was the one who had to make my school essays shorter, while the rest of you were struggling for the last 1,000 of that 2,000 word essay.
But, I always leave myself a loophole, so here’s the Cliffnotes version of my week. To be blogged about later, if possible.
Last Friday & Saturday
Attended Morningstar’s Women’s Bible Conference with Mom
Sunday
Left for Tennessee with Candice
Monday
Arrive in Tennessee. Bunk at Charity, Colleen, and BJ’s beautiful home. Attend South Haven’s Mother/Daughter Tea to honor Aunt Laurie and Grandma.
Tuesday
Go shopping at a Tennessee mall with Mom, Aunt Laurie, Aunt Louise, Aunt Jan, Charity, Colleen, and Candice. Spend time in Borders solo while drinking a vanilla bean frappe from SBC and perusing rejected New Yorker cartoons. Go to Big Lots with Candice and BJ.
Wednesday
Pack up and head back home with Candice.
Thursday
Lay around and watch TV. Silence guilt about the things I should be doing with the rationalization that it IS my vacation.
Friday
Go to the movies with Angie. Freak out. Become too jittery and scared to sleep. Blog early into Saturday morning.
Upcoming….
Saturday
See Fiddler on the Roof at Fireside Dinner Theater with Brett, Mom, Gary, Aunt Jan, and Uncle Darryl.
Stay tuned, folks. It’s all non-stop action and excitement from here on out!
I’m sure you’re breathless already!
But I can’t.
Two reasons. One, I had entirely too much caffeine, in the form of TWO GIANT Diet Cokes at the movie theater tonight. Second, Angie and I watched two very good, but also suspenseful-bordering-on-scary movies, and all I can see when I close my eyes is people jumping out at me.
So, therefore, I am awake.
We watched Disturbia and The Invisible. Both were good, but Disturbia was really, really good - even though we saw it in a theater packed full of junior high girls who screamed at every jolt. It was THAT good, I barely noticed the screamers.
I’ve been SO busy this past week that I’ve had NO time to blog, but there is SO much to blog about. To get caught up on.
I’ll do my best.
Since last Friday, every time something happened, I found myself full of observations. But as time passes, I find myself forgetting my observations, and I have to talk myself out of taking the easy route of just boiling everything down to one sentence.
For instance, after our church’s Women’s Bible Conference, I might have talked about the speaker, the topics, and the food. Now, I’m just tempted to say that I WENT to our church’s bible conference and leave it at that.
Some of you may say, “Just do that! Your blog entries are LONG enough as it is.”
But WHEN have you known ME to settle for being concise?! Remember? I was the one who had to make my school essays shorter, while the rest of you were struggling for the last 1,000 of that 2,000 word essay.
But, I always leave myself a loophole, so here’s the Cliffnotes version of my week. To be blogged about later, if possible.
Last Friday & Saturday
Attended Morningstar’s Women’s Bible Conference with Mom
Sunday
Left for Tennessee with Candice
Monday
Arrive in Tennessee. Bunk at Charity, Colleen, and BJ’s beautiful home. Attend South Haven’s Mother/Daughter Tea to honor Aunt Laurie and Grandma.
Tuesday
Go shopping at a Tennessee mall with Mom, Aunt Laurie, Aunt Louise, Aunt Jan, Charity, Colleen, and Candice. Spend time in Borders solo while drinking a vanilla bean frappe from SBC and perusing rejected New Yorker cartoons. Go to Big Lots with Candice and BJ.
Wednesday
Pack up and head back home with Candice.
Thursday
Lay around and watch TV. Silence guilt about the things I should be doing with the rationalization that it IS my vacation.
Friday
Go to the movies with Angie. Freak out. Become too jittery and scared to sleep. Blog early into Saturday morning.
Upcoming….
Saturday
See Fiddler on the Roof at Fireside Dinner Theater with Brett, Mom, Gary, Aunt Jan, and Uncle Darryl.
Stay tuned, folks. It’s all non-stop action and excitement from here on out!
I’m sure you’re breathless already!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Saturday: A Study in Sweets and Sturgills
How sweet it is!
Saturday started out nicely with a trip to First Baptist’s Mother/Daughter Tea with Mom. We didn’t find out that we were supposed to wear hats until we got there. Thankfully, they still let us in, even in our bare-headed state.
The theme for the event was, well, tea. There were some genuinely funny moments. One of which was when the 83 year-old emcee said that they would NOT be giving out “door prizes” this year. Instead, she said with a smile, they would be giving out “mementos.”
“They’re the same thing,” She explained sweetly. “Pastor just doesn’t like door prizes.”
We sat at a table with several older women who were some of the most hilarious people I have ever met.
One woman talked about how she and her 1930’s-era schoolmates “pulled the wool over” on their teacher and convinced her they needed to sit out in the cloakroom of their two-room school in order to study better. As soon as the teacher allowed them to move, the girls climbed out the window, one by one, to go play. Except the lady at our table - who got stuck trying to climb out the window and was subsequently caught by the teacher.
“That put an end to that,” she sighed.
One of the women read a History of Tea which was actually very interesting. As a recent convert to tea from soda, I found myself drawn into the story of how tea was discovered and has gone on to be such an important part of industry, entertainment, and leisure all these years.
For refreshments, there was tea and a mountain of sweets. Mom and I almost went into a diabetic coma afterwards.
After the tea, Mom, Brett, and I went to Watertown for our annual Maranatha play outing. Poor Gare-Bear was sick, so he had to stay home, and Mom was stuck riding with us.
According to Brett, Mom and I talked all the way up there “like 14 year old girls at a slumber party.” We were really excited because we thought that the play was going to be The Pirates of Penzance, and I was really looking forward to “I am the very model of a modern Major General…
But we discovered when we got there that it was actually going to be The HMS Pinafore. Which, besides I am the Master of the Sea…, I knew very little about.
After the debate surrounding Maranatha’s last play – Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, I was rather hoping for another play that could cause controversy in the conservative Christian circles. I find a kind of joy in watching all the fundamentals run around in circles like hyperactive hamsters getting all worked up over things that don’t make the least, little bit of difference out here in the real world.
Anyway, before the play, we enjoyed a delicious dinner ala Aunt Jan’s Famous Chicken Chalupas which we ate on the Sturgill’s going-away tablecloth from Berean (back in ’88). It was very nostalgic to look at all those names back from the “Berean” years. Yep, nostalgic mixed with nasty memories of those years. Thank goodness they’re over now.
The play was SO good! The actors all did a wonderful job, and the singing was amazing. I don’t think there will be anything for the CC’s to kvetch about this year.
It was also nice to spend time with Aunt Jan and Uncle Darryl, even if they do out class us every time with their generosity, hospitality, and thoughtfulness! I know Mom misses Aunt Jan, because they’ve always been close “spiritual” sisters, besides being “real” sisters. It was a treat for Mom, too!
Thanks, Mom – Aunt Jan – Uncle Darryl – and Brett (for driving) for the wonderful weekend!
Saturday started out nicely with a trip to First Baptist’s Mother/Daughter Tea with Mom. We didn’t find out that we were supposed to wear hats until we got there. Thankfully, they still let us in, even in our bare-headed state.
The theme for the event was, well, tea. There were some genuinely funny moments. One of which was when the 83 year-old emcee said that they would NOT be giving out “door prizes” this year. Instead, she said with a smile, they would be giving out “mementos.”
“They’re the same thing,” She explained sweetly. “Pastor just doesn’t like door prizes.”
We sat at a table with several older women who were some of the most hilarious people I have ever met.
One woman talked about how she and her 1930’s-era schoolmates “pulled the wool over” on their teacher and convinced her they needed to sit out in the cloakroom of their two-room school in order to study better. As soon as the teacher allowed them to move, the girls climbed out the window, one by one, to go play. Except the lady at our table - who got stuck trying to climb out the window and was subsequently caught by the teacher.
“That put an end to that,” she sighed.
One of the women read a History of Tea which was actually very interesting. As a recent convert to tea from soda, I found myself drawn into the story of how tea was discovered and has gone on to be such an important part of industry, entertainment, and leisure all these years.
For refreshments, there was tea and a mountain of sweets. Mom and I almost went into a diabetic coma afterwards.
After the tea, Mom, Brett, and I went to Watertown for our annual Maranatha play outing. Poor Gare-Bear was sick, so he had to stay home, and Mom was stuck riding with us.
According to Brett, Mom and I talked all the way up there “like 14 year old girls at a slumber party.” We were really excited because we thought that the play was going to be The Pirates of Penzance, and I was really looking forward to “I am the very model of a modern Major General…
But we discovered when we got there that it was actually going to be The HMS Pinafore. Which, besides I am the Master of the Sea…, I knew very little about.
After the debate surrounding Maranatha’s last play – Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, I was rather hoping for another play that could cause controversy in the conservative Christian circles. I find a kind of joy in watching all the fundamentals run around in circles like hyperactive hamsters getting all worked up over things that don’t make the least, little bit of difference out here in the real world.
Anyway, before the play, we enjoyed a delicious dinner ala Aunt Jan’s Famous Chicken Chalupas which we ate on the Sturgill’s going-away tablecloth from Berean (back in ’88). It was very nostalgic to look at all those names back from the “Berean” years. Yep, nostalgic mixed with nasty memories of those years. Thank goodness they’re over now.
The play was SO good! The actors all did a wonderful job, and the singing was amazing. I don’t think there will be anything for the CC’s to kvetch about this year.
It was also nice to spend time with Aunt Jan and Uncle Darryl, even if they do out class us every time with their generosity, hospitality, and thoughtfulness! I know Mom misses Aunt Jan, because they’ve always been close “spiritual” sisters, besides being “real” sisters. It was a treat for Mom, too!
Thanks, Mom – Aunt Jan – Uncle Darryl – and Brett (for driving) for the wonderful weekend!
Adventures with Angie
Last Friday, Angie and I attended a Spanish movie showing at Rock Valley College.
I was in a better frame of mind when I thought Angie was IN the RVC Spanish class and therefore trying to earn some extra credit. Much to my surprise, she informed me halfway through the movie that she was NOT actually in THIS class, but would be in the summer, and so she thought this was a good way to earn some brownie points with the teacher.
I sat through a Spanish movie with hard-to-read yellow subtitles, so she could earn brownie points?! At least there was cheese popcorn and Jarritos.
The movie, Ay! Carmela, was a little convoluted, but I eventually got into the story. About halfway through, Angie leaned over, said the plot was TOO SLOW, and asked if I wanted to leave.
“What? Now? I’m just getting interested,” I informed her. But she did manage to talk me into sneaking out right after the movie finished, so we didn’t have to listen to the hour or so lecture that followed.
In a fit of unexpected generosity (and upon the sudden realization that Angie’s birthday is on the 17th), I offered to take her out to dinner to celebrate. We dined at Chili’s and celebrated Angie’s birthday and her acceptance to the Great Lakes Baptist Convention’s Women Speaker Bureau – or something like that. It’s a newly formed organization that trains and provides women speakers to churches for special events.
Afterwards, we headed to the “real” movies. We both wanted to see Disturbia. But when I saw the line of hopped-up, hormonal teenagers snaking out of the movie theater, I wasn’t so sure I wanted to see the same movie as the writhing mass of Make-Out Nation.
“Maybe they’re here to see Are We Done Yet?” Angie said, with longing in her voice.
“No, that’s a kid movie,” I told her.
“Maybe they want to see Meet the Robinsons?” She said with a little whine.
“Nope.” I stubbornly replied. “They’re here to see Disturbia. I really don’t want to see that movie with a bunch of teenagers. Remember when we saw X-Men 3 on opening weekend? It was us and 900 teenage boys. We were digging popcorn out of our hair for two days, and everyone called us ma’am.”
“It’s true,” The teenage ticket agent confirmed for us. “We sold out the last two showings of Disturbia. We had to go in and ask some kids to leave in both the showings.” He leaned in, “I think they were going at it.”
“Maybe you two would be happier seeing another movie. Perfect Stranger is supposed to be good,” Corey, our favorite teenage ticket agent, chimed in.
Angie and I struck up a friendship with Corey last year. He works the late shift on the weekday and weekend movies, so he sees us a lot. We probably wouldn’t know his name except that once, halfway through our bucket of popcorn; I poked my finger on something sharp. To my surprise, I pulled out a butter-soaked plastic nametag with “COREY” in big letters. When I returned it (and the uneaten popcorn) to the refreshment stand, he sheepishly washed it off and pinned it to his uniform.
We’ve been on a first name basis ever since.
“We’ll take two to Perfect Stranger,” I told the first ticket agent. “I am paying, you know,” I reminded Angie.
“Yeah,” She muttered under her breath. “But it’s supposed to be MY birthday gift.”
“You’ll get over it,” I assured her as I half-dragged her into the theater.
As luck would have it, our theater was right next to the 10 p.m. packed-out showing of Disturbia.
“Can’t you just smell the Clearasil? Aren’t you glad we are going to a grown-up movie?” I tried to persuade Angie, but she just rolled her eyes.
There were about 30 people in our theater, and I thought the movie was pretty good, although it was hard to hear due to the pulsating noise of the Disturbia audience next door. We thought Angie had figured out the plot, but the twist at the very end threw us off.
I thought the most implausible thing in Perfect Stranger was the supposition that great looking people like Bruce Willis or Halle Berry would ever have any trouble getting a date. Yeah, like that would ever happen.
As we were leaving, Angie looked back at the kids streaming out of Disturbia. “I’ll bet we missed a good one,” she said sadly.
“Look,” I promised her. “We’ll come back on a school night and see it then. There won’t be as many people.”
She rolled her eyes again. “When did you become such a senior citizen?”
I just knew she’d get over it. Well, at least I thought she would, until I saw that Disturbia is the number one movie in the nation and getting rave reviews. Sheesh. So, when DID I become such a senior citizen, huh?
Now, I’m just waiting for Angie to call and gloat. Oh well, happy birthday anyway, girl!
I was in a better frame of mind when I thought Angie was IN the RVC Spanish class and therefore trying to earn some extra credit. Much to my surprise, she informed me halfway through the movie that she was NOT actually in THIS class, but would be in the summer, and so she thought this was a good way to earn some brownie points with the teacher.
I sat through a Spanish movie with hard-to-read yellow subtitles, so she could earn brownie points?! At least there was cheese popcorn and Jarritos.
The movie, Ay! Carmela, was a little convoluted, but I eventually got into the story. About halfway through, Angie leaned over, said the plot was TOO SLOW, and asked if I wanted to leave.
“What? Now? I’m just getting interested,” I informed her. But she did manage to talk me into sneaking out right after the movie finished, so we didn’t have to listen to the hour or so lecture that followed.
In a fit of unexpected generosity (and upon the sudden realization that Angie’s birthday is on the 17th), I offered to take her out to dinner to celebrate. We dined at Chili’s and celebrated Angie’s birthday and her acceptance to the Great Lakes Baptist Convention’s Women Speaker Bureau – or something like that. It’s a newly formed organization that trains and provides women speakers to churches for special events.
Afterwards, we headed to the “real” movies. We both wanted to see Disturbia. But when I saw the line of hopped-up, hormonal teenagers snaking out of the movie theater, I wasn’t so sure I wanted to see the same movie as the writhing mass of Make-Out Nation.
“Maybe they’re here to see Are We Done Yet?” Angie said, with longing in her voice.
“No, that’s a kid movie,” I told her.
“Maybe they want to see Meet the Robinsons?” She said with a little whine.
“Nope.” I stubbornly replied. “They’re here to see Disturbia. I really don’t want to see that movie with a bunch of teenagers. Remember when we saw X-Men 3 on opening weekend? It was us and 900 teenage boys. We were digging popcorn out of our hair for two days, and everyone called us ma’am.”
“It’s true,” The teenage ticket agent confirmed for us. “We sold out the last two showings of Disturbia. We had to go in and ask some kids to leave in both the showings.” He leaned in, “I think they were going at it.”
“Maybe you two would be happier seeing another movie. Perfect Stranger is supposed to be good,” Corey, our favorite teenage ticket agent, chimed in.
Angie and I struck up a friendship with Corey last year. He works the late shift on the weekday and weekend movies, so he sees us a lot. We probably wouldn’t know his name except that once, halfway through our bucket of popcorn; I poked my finger on something sharp. To my surprise, I pulled out a butter-soaked plastic nametag with “COREY” in big letters. When I returned it (and the uneaten popcorn) to the refreshment stand, he sheepishly washed it off and pinned it to his uniform.
We’ve been on a first name basis ever since.
“We’ll take two to Perfect Stranger,” I told the first ticket agent. “I am paying, you know,” I reminded Angie.
“Yeah,” She muttered under her breath. “But it’s supposed to be MY birthday gift.”
“You’ll get over it,” I assured her as I half-dragged her into the theater.
As luck would have it, our theater was right next to the 10 p.m. packed-out showing of Disturbia.
“Can’t you just smell the Clearasil? Aren’t you glad we are going to a grown-up movie?” I tried to persuade Angie, but she just rolled her eyes.
There were about 30 people in our theater, and I thought the movie was pretty good, although it was hard to hear due to the pulsating noise of the Disturbia audience next door. We thought Angie had figured out the plot, but the twist at the very end threw us off.
I thought the most implausible thing in Perfect Stranger was the supposition that great looking people like Bruce Willis or Halle Berry would ever have any trouble getting a date. Yeah, like that would ever happen.
As we were leaving, Angie looked back at the kids streaming out of Disturbia. “I’ll bet we missed a good one,” she said sadly.
“Look,” I promised her. “We’ll come back on a school night and see it then. There won’t be as many people.”
She rolled her eyes again. “When did you become such a senior citizen?”
I just knew she’d get over it. Well, at least I thought she would, until I saw that Disturbia is the number one movie in the nation and getting rave reviews. Sheesh. So, when DID I become such a senior citizen, huh?
Now, I’m just waiting for Angie to call and gloat. Oh well, happy birthday anyway, girl!
Words of Hope
There is so much I wanted to blog about after this busy, busy weekend. But time seemed to slip away from me, and then the tragedy at Virginia Tech seemed to put everything else in pale perspective, so I waited.
My friend Joy, who currently lives in France, is one of the smartest, sensitive, and most talented writers I have ever met. She has an understanding of spirituality I can only hope to glimpse one day. Her words on the heartbreak are better than any of mine and spoke to the truth and grasping that is all we humans can do in the wake of the unexplainable.
I hope you enjoy her message of realization and hope as much as I did.
Read it at http://karagraphy.com/2007/04/17/dont-pretend-that-youll-be-forever-haunted/.
My friend Joy, who currently lives in France, is one of the smartest, sensitive, and most talented writers I have ever met. She has an understanding of spirituality I can only hope to glimpse one day. Her words on the heartbreak are better than any of mine and spoke to the truth and grasping that is all we humans can do in the wake of the unexplainable.
I hope you enjoy her message of realization and hope as much as I did.
Read it at http://karagraphy.com/2007/04/17/dont-pretend-that-youll-be-forever-haunted/.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Snow, Slush, and Swerving
I drove to work today in the slush mush of this mid-April snowstorm and almost had THREE car accidents. All of them would have been my fault, as my car was the one not slowing down fast enough.
I really wish I had four wheel drive, instead of just rear wheel drive. Not to mention, my anti-lock brakes drive me a little nuts. I have to force myself to remember to apply steady pressure with my foot, as opposed to pumping my brakes (which is the method I was taught in driver’s ed). It was very scary. It’s nice to be safe and sound at work.
Of course, I suppose I have to go home eventually. Great. Just great. I’m thinking of calling Brett and having him meet me here after work, so we can drive home in sight of each other.
Of course, knowing my luck, I’ll probably have to stop behind him, my brakes will fail, and I’ll crash into his bumper. My almost “fourth” accident will turn into a reality!
Maybe I’ll just spend the night here!
I really wish I had four wheel drive, instead of just rear wheel drive. Not to mention, my anti-lock brakes drive me a little nuts. I have to force myself to remember to apply steady pressure with my foot, as opposed to pumping my brakes (which is the method I was taught in driver’s ed). It was very scary. It’s nice to be safe and sound at work.
Of course, I suppose I have to go home eventually. Great. Just great. I’m thinking of calling Brett and having him meet me here after work, so we can drive home in sight of each other.
Of course, knowing my luck, I’ll probably have to stop behind him, my brakes will fail, and I’ll crash into his bumper. My almost “fourth” accident will turn into a reality!
Maybe I’ll just spend the night here!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Hooray for…Hector?
You know how after people have a boy and a girl, they tell you they are having a third child?
And you say, “Why? You already HAVE one of each.”
And they say, “We just feel like something is missing, and our family is not complete yet.”
And then they have the little one who usually turns out to be terror times two, and you think, “Yeah. That’ll complete you. Real fast.”
Well, Brett and I are there. Admittedly not with children, but with our bunnies. They have bonded and are, for the most part, healthy and happy. But we still feel like something is missing.
I think Hannah could use another male to dote on her, and Peyton could benefit from an adventurous playmate. Tripling is an ambitious endeavor, but our tried-and-true HRS foster moms assure us that the work is worth it. Most affirming of all is their faith in us to make it work.
I called Michelle who fostered (and almost adopted) our lovely Hannah and inquired about the work required and benefits of tripling. It seems the main benefit is comfort for the rabbits in the case of one rabbit (shall we say) going to that big warren in the sky.
Tripling involves more time and effort than pairing, since two rabbits have to accept a new rabbit, but we are confident enough about it to give it a try.
Michelle has suggested “Hector,” a mini-Rex. Rexes are known for the velvet feel of their fur. We are also more likely to be successful by adding a second male, as male rabbits are more accepting of males than females are of females. (I read that sentence three times to see if it made sense at any point.)
Here is some of Michelle’s advice:
For the 3 vs. 4 question…(not that I'm an expert in this area.. but my two cents I guess) - You can do it, but the thing is usually 2 females rarely get along, again unless they're related. Usually the female is the dominant one, the leader. In tripling, you usually go with two guys so the female doesn't get as defensive. She may still choose to be more bonded with one of them, but will accept the 2nd male more easily. Two males also tend to bond pretty easily. Even in the fostering I do, it's amazing how quickly the boys will become buddies - even through a pen.
So...when it comes to four, you have a choice of whether you want two distinct/separate pairs vs. trying to get all four together. I have a male Dutch foster that I'm likely going to keep and I've been debating the same thing. I think in my case, I may go the route of 2 distinct pairs - assuming the little guy will accept another bunny - he's rather particular. We can talk more on this tonight, but I wouldn't worry too much about having to introduce a 4th at this point. There are many triples out there that do really well.
I've attached a picture of the little guy I'm thinking of that may work well for you. He's a 4 1/2 - 5 lb mini rex. It's hard to explain all of this in e-mail so we can talk more, but he's very playful, non-aggressive and has learned to keep himself quite entertained (and did I mention very sweet?). I think he'd be a good match because I don't see him as being aggressive or shoving himself between your current two.
And, if the bonding takes a bit, he can handle being on his own quite well as long as he has some toys, a towel to dig at and some attention. I'll give you his background and what not-- he's got his own recovery story and has become quite a charming little guy. I believe he's about 2 1/2 to 3 years right now, but since he only recently figured out he was a bunny - he's got the energy of a younger rabbit. Additionally, rexes also have some different personality traits than lops that we can talk about as well.
Anyway - let me know what you think. His pictures never to me show off his cuteness the way I see him, but these two are pretty decent.
Re: Hector's toys - he's pretty easy to entertain. He has his boxes which he loves to move. His biggest toys are a slinky, one of those big yellow rattle ball toys, and a rope/wood toy thing I made that looks like a smaller version of a bird toy. His biggest entertainment is "digging" which is playing with a blanket/towel with his paws and relocating it everywhere. In his pen I keep a handle towel but he likes playing with blankets when I have him out too. And he loves to run. He's very neat. He may tear at the newspaper a bit but he doesn't disintegrate it like some.
So, we’ve decided to add to our brood. Michelle will bring Hector to our house in April/May, and we’ll see how the introduction to Hannah and Peyton goes. I’ll keep you updated!
And you say, “Why? You already HAVE one of each.”
And they say, “We just feel like something is missing, and our family is not complete yet.”
And then they have the little one who usually turns out to be terror times two, and you think, “Yeah. That’ll complete you. Real fast.”
Well, Brett and I are there. Admittedly not with children, but with our bunnies. They have bonded and are, for the most part, healthy and happy. But we still feel like something is missing.
I think Hannah could use another male to dote on her, and Peyton could benefit from an adventurous playmate. Tripling is an ambitious endeavor, but our tried-and-true HRS foster moms assure us that the work is worth it. Most affirming of all is their faith in us to make it work.
I called Michelle who fostered (and almost adopted) our lovely Hannah and inquired about the work required and benefits of tripling. It seems the main benefit is comfort for the rabbits in the case of one rabbit (shall we say) going to that big warren in the sky.
Tripling involves more time and effort than pairing, since two rabbits have to accept a new rabbit, but we are confident enough about it to give it a try.
Michelle has suggested “Hector,” a mini-Rex. Rexes are known for the velvet feel of their fur. We are also more likely to be successful by adding a second male, as male rabbits are more accepting of males than females are of females. (I read that sentence three times to see if it made sense at any point.)
Here is some of Michelle’s advice:
For the 3 vs. 4 question…(not that I'm an expert in this area.. but my two cents I guess) - You can do it, but the thing is usually 2 females rarely get along, again unless they're related. Usually the female is the dominant one, the leader. In tripling, you usually go with two guys so the female doesn't get as defensive. She may still choose to be more bonded with one of them, but will accept the 2nd male more easily. Two males also tend to bond pretty easily. Even in the fostering I do, it's amazing how quickly the boys will become buddies - even through a pen.
So...when it comes to four, you have a choice of whether you want two distinct/separate pairs vs. trying to get all four together. I have a male Dutch foster that I'm likely going to keep and I've been debating the same thing. I think in my case, I may go the route of 2 distinct pairs - assuming the little guy will accept another bunny - he's rather particular. We can talk more on this tonight, but I wouldn't worry too much about having to introduce a 4th at this point. There are many triples out there that do really well.
I've attached a picture of the little guy I'm thinking of that may work well for you. He's a 4 1/2 - 5 lb mini rex. It's hard to explain all of this in e-mail so we can talk more, but he's very playful, non-aggressive and has learned to keep himself quite entertained (and did I mention very sweet?). I think he'd be a good match because I don't see him as being aggressive or shoving himself between your current two.
And, if the bonding takes a bit, he can handle being on his own quite well as long as he has some toys, a towel to dig at and some attention. I'll give you his background and what not-- he's got his own recovery story and has become quite a charming little guy. I believe he's about 2 1/2 to 3 years right now, but since he only recently figured out he was a bunny - he's got the energy of a younger rabbit. Additionally, rexes also have some different personality traits than lops that we can talk about as well.
Anyway - let me know what you think. His pictures never to me show off his cuteness the way I see him, but these two are pretty decent.
Re: Hector's toys - he's pretty easy to entertain. He has his boxes which he loves to move. His biggest toys are a slinky, one of those big yellow rattle ball toys, and a rope/wood toy thing I made that looks like a smaller version of a bird toy. His biggest entertainment is "digging" which is playing with a blanket/towel with his paws and relocating it everywhere. In his pen I keep a handle towel but he likes playing with blankets when I have him out too. And he loves to run. He's very neat. He may tear at the newspaper a bit but he doesn't disintegrate it like some.
So, we’ve decided to add to our brood. Michelle will bring Hector to our house in April/May, and we’ll see how the introduction to Hannah and Peyton goes. I’ll keep you updated!
Gambling with Greetings
At church on Sunday, I wished someone a “Happy Easter.”
She replied “People have been saying Happy Resurrection to me, so I guess that’s what we’re saying now instead of Happy Easter.”
She looked a little ashamed as though she had been left out of the loop on the new lingo and that her “Happy Easter” sentiment had actually caused someone pain. I smiled and wished her “both” a Happy Easter AND Happy Resurrection and left church a little bit steamed.
Happy Resurrection? I mean, come on.
People have been saying “Happy Easter” forever, and now all of a sudden it’s not good enough for us? We have to go invent new greetings?
One of the reasons I like Easter (beside the obvious) is that I can wish my co-workers a Happy Easter and know that if they are Christians/Catholics…religious…they will take it in stride. And if they aren’t, they’ll assume I mean the “Easter bunny,” and everyone is okay.
Now, if I said “Happy Resurrection,” I have no doubt I’d be labeled the office sadist.
Why on EARTH would someone change a basic holiday salutation? Huh?
I have the reverence, awe, and dumbfounded wonder of any believer who knows the reality of what Easter represents. God’s amazing love, Christ’s extreme sacrifice, and my undeserving rescue from eternal damnation.
I respect the resurrection.
And that’s exactly why I don’t want it reduced to a snappy Christian catchphrase. Much like What Would Jesus Do became a joke parodied about by those who didn’t give one rip what Jesus would do.
Is this a new thing? Are we going to say “Happy Greeting to Mary’s Placenta” instead of “Merry Christmas” and “Blessed Bloody Wooden Structure Day” instead of “Good Friday” – is this the new trend?
If so, I’m not participating.
I’m SO tired of seeing gullible Christians swayed into thinking that they HAVE to participate in every whacked out, quasi-Christian-themed THING some crackpot thinks he saw in a vision.
Sheesh.
All that to say, a Happy Belated Easter to all of you!
She replied “People have been saying Happy Resurrection to me, so I guess that’s what we’re saying now instead of Happy Easter.”
She looked a little ashamed as though she had been left out of the loop on the new lingo and that her “Happy Easter” sentiment had actually caused someone pain. I smiled and wished her “both” a Happy Easter AND Happy Resurrection and left church a little bit steamed.
Happy Resurrection? I mean, come on.
People have been saying “Happy Easter” forever, and now all of a sudden it’s not good enough for us? We have to go invent new greetings?
One of the reasons I like Easter (beside the obvious) is that I can wish my co-workers a Happy Easter and know that if they are Christians/Catholics…religious…they will take it in stride. And if they aren’t, they’ll assume I mean the “Easter bunny,” and everyone is okay.
Now, if I said “Happy Resurrection,” I have no doubt I’d be labeled the office sadist.
Why on EARTH would someone change a basic holiday salutation? Huh?
I have the reverence, awe, and dumbfounded wonder of any believer who knows the reality of what Easter represents. God’s amazing love, Christ’s extreme sacrifice, and my undeserving rescue from eternal damnation.
I respect the resurrection.
And that’s exactly why I don’t want it reduced to a snappy Christian catchphrase. Much like What Would Jesus Do became a joke parodied about by those who didn’t give one rip what Jesus would do.
Is this a new thing? Are we going to say “Happy Greeting to Mary’s Placenta” instead of “Merry Christmas” and “Blessed Bloody Wooden Structure Day” instead of “Good Friday” – is this the new trend?
If so, I’m not participating.
I’m SO tired of seeing gullible Christians swayed into thinking that they HAVE to participate in every whacked out, quasi-Christian-themed THING some crackpot thinks he saw in a vision.
Sheesh.
All that to say, a Happy Belated Easter to all of you!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Streptastic
Whew! It’s amazing how therapeutic blogging is. I know some people aren’t comfortable letting their feelings show, but I’ve been an open book for as long as I can remember.
After my rage-filled blog (and amazing advice from Tob, as a result), I found myself able to see normal colors again (as opposed to only red). I spent the rest of the morning praying and asking God for help on how to approach the situation. It took a lot of holding “my real feelings” in as I talked to Brett. I tried to say everything very gently, with tact, and have my motivation be out of love.
Brett’s response to this was SO positive! He admitted where he had done things wrong, and even seemed surprised at some of the things I had been frustrated over. He didn’t realize they’d even had an impact on me.
It was such a relief to “make up,” and be on good terms again. When we’re happy together…we’re really happy.
This made my Saturday evening be SO much better than my Saturday morning. We spent the rest of the day…none of YOUR business…and then we spent the evening watching the last six episodes of Prison Break. Now, we just have to wait for Season 2 to be released. I already have it in my Netflix Queue!
On Sunday, we went to Easter morning service at our new church building! The building committee and decorating committee have done a wonderful job. It is really beautiful. It’s still quite a way from our house (“Why didn’t they move north?” – I lament often), but our church is still our church. They’d probably have to move to Chicago before it would be a hardship…we’d probably still go.
Meanwhile, Brett kept clearing his throat (nothing unusual about that – it’s his normal habit – years of breathing in plastic dust on the job and growing up with an asthmatic father who coughs as much as Brett does, so Brett thinks it’s normal for one person to cough that much – and it’s not – I’m always so annoyed. Anyway. Back on topic).
After a while, he decided to go to the immediate care clinic and was promptly diagnosed with strep throat. Since it is highly contagious, we had to call my sister-in-law and let her know that we wouldn’t be coming to Geneva for Easter dinner after all!
We were all disappointed, but it actually turned out all right. I was able to use the unexpected time to clean the bunny cages while Brett rested on the couch. Mom and Gary decided to go anyway and were even nice enough to bring back food for us!
It was kind of an up and down weekend. Firs there was our disagreement, anger management therapy (via blog), making up, and step throat. It was a little messed up, but we are back on good terms again. So that’s what matters most.
Also, Brett is famous again! The Rockford Register Star visited our church’s Sunday morning Easter Service and took a photo of Brett to accompany the story! I’ve already had congratulatory e-mails and phone calls from people. He was also on TV for the Lowe’s Grand Opening.
I wonder how much of his 15 minutes of fame he has left!
After my rage-filled blog (and amazing advice from Tob, as a result), I found myself able to see normal colors again (as opposed to only red). I spent the rest of the morning praying and asking God for help on how to approach the situation. It took a lot of holding “my real feelings” in as I talked to Brett. I tried to say everything very gently, with tact, and have my motivation be out of love.
Brett’s response to this was SO positive! He admitted where he had done things wrong, and even seemed surprised at some of the things I had been frustrated over. He didn’t realize they’d even had an impact on me.
It was such a relief to “make up,” and be on good terms again. When we’re happy together…we’re really happy.
This made my Saturday evening be SO much better than my Saturday morning. We spent the rest of the day…none of YOUR business…and then we spent the evening watching the last six episodes of Prison Break. Now, we just have to wait for Season 2 to be released. I already have it in my Netflix Queue!
On Sunday, we went to Easter morning service at our new church building! The building committee and decorating committee have done a wonderful job. It is really beautiful. It’s still quite a way from our house (“Why didn’t they move north?” – I lament often), but our church is still our church. They’d probably have to move to Chicago before it would be a hardship…we’d probably still go.
Meanwhile, Brett kept clearing his throat (nothing unusual about that – it’s his normal habit – years of breathing in plastic dust on the job and growing up with an asthmatic father who coughs as much as Brett does, so Brett thinks it’s normal for one person to cough that much – and it’s not – I’m always so annoyed. Anyway. Back on topic).
After a while, he decided to go to the immediate care clinic and was promptly diagnosed with strep throat. Since it is highly contagious, we had to call my sister-in-law and let her know that we wouldn’t be coming to Geneva for Easter dinner after all!
We were all disappointed, but it actually turned out all right. I was able to use the unexpected time to clean the bunny cages while Brett rested on the couch. Mom and Gary decided to go anyway and were even nice enough to bring back food for us!
It was kind of an up and down weekend. Firs there was our disagreement, anger management therapy (via blog), making up, and step throat. It was a little messed up, but we are back on good terms again. So that’s what matters most.
Also, Brett is famous again! The Rockford Register Star visited our church’s Sunday morning Easter Service and took a photo of Brett to accompany the story! I’ve already had congratulatory e-mails and phone calls from people. He was also on TV for the Lowe’s Grand Opening.
I wonder how much of his 15 minutes of fame he has left!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Analyzing Anger
Lately, I’ve been dealing with a lot of latent anger.
Swear words course (I could say “curse,” ha!) through my head; I engage in a lot of silent yelling tantrums; and frankly, people are just irritating the heck out of me.
My cousin Beth remarked recently on her blog that she’d like to make a list of everything that is wrong with the world. Well, Beth, I’d easily share that task with you.
I think part of it is the anger, frustration, and disappointment I bottled up during the past few months while Brett and I went through our troubles. Now that things are looking up and seem to be on the way to getting resolved, I find myself seeking a release for those aggravated feelings.
I know that anger (when not righteous or in zealousness for God) is a sin, and I’ve asked God to relieve me of the burden or at least help me deal with it. But I feel so powerless against the huge tidal wave that seems to sweep me from the sandy shore and pin me to the bottom of the ocean.
I want to scream and yell and rally my first against the sky. I want to let loose with all the feelings I suppressed. I want to tell my husband what he put me through emotionally and mentally in these past few months. I want to shriek at him until he actually changes. I want him to know, to take basic responsibility, and not toss all that HE did wrong back in my face as my fault.
I can’t believe I didn’t realize it. But how could I not question WHY my blood pressure was 163/100? Why did I never wonder WHY my blood sugar jumped all over the map and my migraines increased to being unbearable? Because there was NO why – there was only WHO!
I’ve never been this angry before. And I’m afraid that what this does to my blood pressure could kill me.
My moods fluctuate, of course. And sometimes, I can try to forget and let things be good. Renewed joy, like I wrote about in a recent post. But all it takes is one slip back into that old behavior, and it all comes bubbling back to the surface.
I’m in a heart exploding fury. The world is only red before me, and all I can think is how I just can’t live and do everything all on my own. It defies explanation. I was never angry, not like this, ever before.
It makes me want to do things I never contemplated before. I want to move far away and never see anybody I know ever again (except, of course, I would take Mom with me!). I want to disappear into thin air and not have to think, obsess, and be enraged all the time.
I’m tired of being nice. I’m tired of being accommodating. I’m tired of being the one who always gives in. I’m especially tired of always carrying the full load and being the only one who takes any kind of responsibility. I’m only one person, you know.
I’m tired of always worrying about other people and their feelings and saying the right thing not to ever hurt anyone’s feelings. I want to be honest again.
I want to freedom to be Ann-Marie again. The me I lost so long ago. I’d like to be her again, and not the person who lives this pathetic and sorry life.
I know how depressing this all sounds and I wish I could offer some sort of “I’ll be okay” mentality to soften the blow, but the truth is that I don’t know anymore. I just don’t.
I’m all alone. The wave is pinning me down, and all I want is a breath of air. But each time I try to take it, water fills my lungs.
Maybe it’s just better that way. Easier to just give in.
Swear words course (I could say “curse,” ha!) through my head; I engage in a lot of silent yelling tantrums; and frankly, people are just irritating the heck out of me.
My cousin Beth remarked recently on her blog that she’d like to make a list of everything that is wrong with the world. Well, Beth, I’d easily share that task with you.
I think part of it is the anger, frustration, and disappointment I bottled up during the past few months while Brett and I went through our troubles. Now that things are looking up and seem to be on the way to getting resolved, I find myself seeking a release for those aggravated feelings.
I know that anger (when not righteous or in zealousness for God) is a sin, and I’ve asked God to relieve me of the burden or at least help me deal with it. But I feel so powerless against the huge tidal wave that seems to sweep me from the sandy shore and pin me to the bottom of the ocean.
I want to scream and yell and rally my first against the sky. I want to let loose with all the feelings I suppressed. I want to tell my husband what he put me through emotionally and mentally in these past few months. I want to shriek at him until he actually changes. I want him to know, to take basic responsibility, and not toss all that HE did wrong back in my face as my fault.
I can’t believe I didn’t realize it. But how could I not question WHY my blood pressure was 163/100? Why did I never wonder WHY my blood sugar jumped all over the map and my migraines increased to being unbearable? Because there was NO why – there was only WHO!
I’ve never been this angry before. And I’m afraid that what this does to my blood pressure could kill me.
My moods fluctuate, of course. And sometimes, I can try to forget and let things be good. Renewed joy, like I wrote about in a recent post. But all it takes is one slip back into that old behavior, and it all comes bubbling back to the surface.
I’m in a heart exploding fury. The world is only red before me, and all I can think is how I just can’t live and do everything all on my own. It defies explanation. I was never angry, not like this, ever before.
It makes me want to do things I never contemplated before. I want to move far away and never see anybody I know ever again (except, of course, I would take Mom with me!). I want to disappear into thin air and not have to think, obsess, and be enraged all the time.
I’m tired of being nice. I’m tired of being accommodating. I’m tired of being the one who always gives in. I’m especially tired of always carrying the full load and being the only one who takes any kind of responsibility. I’m only one person, you know.
I’m tired of always worrying about other people and their feelings and saying the right thing not to ever hurt anyone’s feelings. I want to be honest again.
I want to freedom to be Ann-Marie again. The me I lost so long ago. I’d like to be her again, and not the person who lives this pathetic and sorry life.
I know how depressing this all sounds and I wish I could offer some sort of “I’ll be okay” mentality to soften the blow, but the truth is that I don’t know anymore. I just don’t.
I’m all alone. The wave is pinning me down, and all I want is a breath of air. But each time I try to take it, water fills my lungs.
Maybe it’s just better that way. Easier to just give in.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Robbing the Cradle
An amazing thought just occurred to me.
I’m 28 (not so amazing), but when Brett was my age, he was dating a 19 year old! I can’t even imagine dating a 19 year old at my age. My nephew Kevin is 19. And I certainly can’t imagine dating my nephew Bryan who just turned 21.
It must be different for guys.
* Attribute the fact that this post is so short to my cousin Tammy who claims my blog entries are longer than some books. And if she wanted to read a book, she’d read a book.
I’m 28 (not so amazing), but when Brett was my age, he was dating a 19 year old! I can’t even imagine dating a 19 year old at my age. My nephew Kevin is 19. And I certainly can’t imagine dating my nephew Bryan who just turned 21.
It must be different for guys.
* Attribute the fact that this post is so short to my cousin Tammy who claims my blog entries are longer than some books. And if she wanted to read a book, she’d read a book.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Force Flex Farce
I would like to register a product complaint.
We are currently auditioning brand name kitchen garbage bags. That’s right. We’re movin’ on up…from the generic brands.
For the previous six years, we’ve been hit hard in the pocketbook. We looked for ways to save, and one of the ways was by buying sub-par garbage bags. Dollar store garbage bags. Bags that would rip if we talked about throwing away a lettuce leaf.
It only took a few times of cleaning the kitchen floor for us to remember that we had to carry our garbage bags by the bottom from the kitchen to the curb while running at a fast cantor to avoid spillage (and spoilage) on the way.
Have you ever tried to carry a bulging, flimsy garbage bag from the bottom while running in flip-flops?
I don’t recommend it.
Every time we would see an ad for brand name kitchen garbage bags, we’d sigh in envy. “I wish we could buy brand name,” I’d utter, cleaning the floor (from yet another spill), while up to my ankles in garbage.
One bag in particular caught my fancy. Glad’s Force Flex bags. The commercial clearly demonstrated not even a rhino could get through the Force Flex shield.
“We could finally throw away our Pop-Tart boxes,” I told Brett, looking at the tiny Sears tower that was evolving from our box collection.
Brett and I are lazy, convenience and frozen food eaters, and we hate to disassemble boxes before throwing them away.
I envisioned throwing away boxes, hangers, and light bulbs any time I wanted. A dream, I knew, has to start somewhere.
After Brett began his new job, we had a few extra dollars to spend. As we perused the garbage bag aisle, I was captivated by Glad’s Odor Shield bags. These bags came with a “special odor neutralizing” agent.
In my head I saw our kitchen spotless (a state it has never entered) with the smell of sweet honeysuckle over pouring from our trash can (also spotless in the daydream).
I successfully made my case for the bags. Although Brett pointed out as we left with a 40 count box of bags, “You know our house is still going to smell like rabbits, right? No agent can neutralize that smell.”
He was right, of course. But I liked the fresh smell when I shook out the bags and was very happy when they appeared to be strong as well. There was no more bottom-carrying or 50 yard dashes to the curb.
About halfway through the box of bags, Brett approached me with a sad glint in his eye and a tissue held up to his nose.
“We’re going to have to switch to something else. That fresh smell is making me nauseous”
“How can this make you nauseous?” I asked while sticking my head in the garbage can and taking a full whiff of honeysuckle cleanness, along with some garbage I had forgotten was there before my sniffing demonstration.
The very act sickened him, but he made a feeble attempt and sniffed in the direction of the bag before sneezing violently and backed way quickly as his eyes watered and turned an angry reddish color.
“Oh, fine. You big baby,” I countered, angry to have my spotless and aromatic kitchen dream destroyed.
On our second attempt to buy brand name garbage bags, we were drawn back to the Glad Force Flex. We stood in front of it in awe and considered it destiny when we both uttered “Pop Tarts” at the same time.
That first week, I was excited as I threw away several boxes, including the massive Jimmy Dean Microwavable Egg and Sausage Biscuit box that had previously housed Brett’s favorite ( and daily) breakfast sandwich.
I pulled the bag out of the can, expecting rounded bulges from the boxes, and completely convinced not even a rhino could penetrate our brand name bags.
The sad reality became evident to me as I saw sharp box edges very clearly sticking out of the plastic. Corners from our Pop Tarts, frozen dinners, and pizza boxes were sadly exposed. The bag, held at the right angle, could easily have been used as a deadly weapon.
“Stay away from her! She’s hold the Protruding Sharp Right Angle Trash Bag of Death!”
I showed the bag, now vaguely resembling a lumpy white porcupine to Brett.
“At least it doesn’t stink,” he shrugged.
“Of course it stinks. There’s a week’s worth of garbage in here, and it’s being well ventilated.”
“I meant, it doesn’t make me nauseous. Hey, are those my flip-flops? You know you can’t run to the curb in those without tripping.”
I hoped it was a one time thing, but I soon discovered (this point was not covered in the commercial) that the Force Flex Shield is apparently made out of dollar store garbage bags.
Now, we have to go back to auditioning garbage bags.
I just haven’t had the heart to tell Brett yet. So, I’ve just been telling him that his violent sneezing, runny nose, and watery, itchy eyes is because he’s allergic to dust. And I just haven’t had time to clean.
Although, I’m thinking he may have figured it out today when he asked, “Do you smell honeysuckle in here, or is it just me?”
We are currently auditioning brand name kitchen garbage bags. That’s right. We’re movin’ on up…from the generic brands.
For the previous six years, we’ve been hit hard in the pocketbook. We looked for ways to save, and one of the ways was by buying sub-par garbage bags. Dollar store garbage bags. Bags that would rip if we talked about throwing away a lettuce leaf.
It only took a few times of cleaning the kitchen floor for us to remember that we had to carry our garbage bags by the bottom from the kitchen to the curb while running at a fast cantor to avoid spillage (and spoilage) on the way.
Have you ever tried to carry a bulging, flimsy garbage bag from the bottom while running in flip-flops?
I don’t recommend it.
Every time we would see an ad for brand name kitchen garbage bags, we’d sigh in envy. “I wish we could buy brand name,” I’d utter, cleaning the floor (from yet another spill), while up to my ankles in garbage.
One bag in particular caught my fancy. Glad’s Force Flex bags. The commercial clearly demonstrated not even a rhino could get through the Force Flex shield.
“We could finally throw away our Pop-Tart boxes,” I told Brett, looking at the tiny Sears tower that was evolving from our box collection.
Brett and I are lazy, convenience and frozen food eaters, and we hate to disassemble boxes before throwing them away.
I envisioned throwing away boxes, hangers, and light bulbs any time I wanted. A dream, I knew, has to start somewhere.
After Brett began his new job, we had a few extra dollars to spend. As we perused the garbage bag aisle, I was captivated by Glad’s Odor Shield bags. These bags came with a “special odor neutralizing” agent.
In my head I saw our kitchen spotless (a state it has never entered) with the smell of sweet honeysuckle over pouring from our trash can (also spotless in the daydream).
I successfully made my case for the bags. Although Brett pointed out as we left with a 40 count box of bags, “You know our house is still going to smell like rabbits, right? No agent can neutralize that smell.”
He was right, of course. But I liked the fresh smell when I shook out the bags and was very happy when they appeared to be strong as well. There was no more bottom-carrying or 50 yard dashes to the curb.
About halfway through the box of bags, Brett approached me with a sad glint in his eye and a tissue held up to his nose.
“We’re going to have to switch to something else. That fresh smell is making me nauseous”
“How can this make you nauseous?” I asked while sticking my head in the garbage can and taking a full whiff of honeysuckle cleanness, along with some garbage I had forgotten was there before my sniffing demonstration.
The very act sickened him, but he made a feeble attempt and sniffed in the direction of the bag before sneezing violently and backed way quickly as his eyes watered and turned an angry reddish color.
“Oh, fine. You big baby,” I countered, angry to have my spotless and aromatic kitchen dream destroyed.
On our second attempt to buy brand name garbage bags, we were drawn back to the Glad Force Flex. We stood in front of it in awe and considered it destiny when we both uttered “Pop Tarts” at the same time.
That first week, I was excited as I threw away several boxes, including the massive Jimmy Dean Microwavable Egg and Sausage Biscuit box that had previously housed Brett’s favorite ( and daily) breakfast sandwich.
I pulled the bag out of the can, expecting rounded bulges from the boxes, and completely convinced not even a rhino could penetrate our brand name bags.
The sad reality became evident to me as I saw sharp box edges very clearly sticking out of the plastic. Corners from our Pop Tarts, frozen dinners, and pizza boxes were sadly exposed. The bag, held at the right angle, could easily have been used as a deadly weapon.
“Stay away from her! She’s hold the Protruding Sharp Right Angle Trash Bag of Death!”
I showed the bag, now vaguely resembling a lumpy white porcupine to Brett.
“At least it doesn’t stink,” he shrugged.
“Of course it stinks. There’s a week’s worth of garbage in here, and it’s being well ventilated.”
“I meant, it doesn’t make me nauseous. Hey, are those my flip-flops? You know you can’t run to the curb in those without tripping.”
I hoped it was a one time thing, but I soon discovered (this point was not covered in the commercial) that the Force Flex Shield is apparently made out of dollar store garbage bags.
Now, we have to go back to auditioning garbage bags.
I just haven’t had the heart to tell Brett yet. So, I’ve just been telling him that his violent sneezing, runny nose, and watery, itchy eyes is because he’s allergic to dust. And I just haven’t had time to clean.
Although, I’m thinking he may have figured it out today when he asked, “Do you smell honeysuckle in here, or is it just me?”
Migraine, Motorists, and Miscreants
Well, I did go home.
My migraine came on full force (as predicted), and I had the distinct displeasure of throwing up in our office bathroom. Lovely.
Since I was almost blinded by my head pain, and my gut was telling me I’d be spending some more quality time with the bathroom floor, I elected to exercise my executive staff “flexible hours” privilege and hightail it home.
My manager got about a minute’s notice as I hurriedly explained “Got to go. Migraine. Going to throw up. Not here again, please. Bye.”
I believe her exact words, or at least what I heard in my rush to get out were, “What? Oh, oooookay,” said in a strangely surprised manner.
I took the dangerous Route 2 home, just dreaming of all the ways in which death-by-car-accident could be more pleasant than the migraine torture currently coursing through my beleaguered brain.
Of course, I got stuck behind hey-I’ve-got-a-new-car-and-therefore-must-go-the-actual-speed-limit on the incredibly long Route 2 – normally known as the rural Autobahn of Rockford-Loves-Machesney-Roscoe-Rockton area.
Heck, the reason I TOOK the perilous way home was because I could get home faster. Or maybe hit a deer and die in bliss compared to the massive brain-tumor-like migraine.
Instead, I got stuck behind some new-car-owner going 45 mph. FORTY-FIVE!!! On Route 2. It’s like driving a Big Wheel on a NASCAR track.
Sheesh.
I had some choice words for the driver, although most of them were lost under the dull roar of the pain ocean rip tiding its way through my head. My efforts to hold my breakfast (or what was left of it) in my stomach were also being sorely tested.
By the time, I got home (and after I gave a full ten second glare to Ms. New Car Owner at the ONLY stop light on Roscoe Road) I rushed towards my Excedrin Migraine medication, downed two pills immediately, and took up residence on the bathroom floor for the better part of the early morning.
The meds kicked in and the pounding settled to a much more bearable ache. I had a Diet Coke from my secret stash and some of the chocolate Brett thought he had hid from me. Ha. I can find chocolate anywhere. Silly man.
The mix of meds, chocolate, and caffeine staved off the migraine, and the two hour nap helped tremendously. After the pain had subsided, I felt like a complete and total weenie for leaving work early.
At the time, the pain was so intense I felt like I had no choice. This is the fastest a migraine has ever gripped me. Usually I have a little more warning. A little more time. But today, I think I had a five minute warning before I was rubbing my temples and racing towards the bathroom.
Some people get migraines every day or at least once a week. I can’t even imagine the pain. If it were me, I don’t know how I could continue living. It’s pure torture. I count myself fortunate to only be visited with a migraine every six months or so.
Migraine pain is exquisite, sensitive, and sorely separate anguish. I’ve talked to other sufferers, people who have more frequent migraines, and everyone has a different theory as to what causes them, how to treat them, and whether or not there will ever be a cure.
I’m sure mine are hereditary. I remember Dad’s suffering. Many weekends, he’d spend sequestered in my parents’ room, in the dark, curtains drawn, and Mom and I would tiptoe and whisper our way around the house.
As it is with every time I’m sick, I torture myself afterwards debating whether I should have left work.
My job allows a very flexible schedule and a wide berth of sick days, vacation days, personal days, floating holidays, etc. One of the best perks of working for a non-profit.
But I still persecute myself with questions concerning whether I could have “toughed it out” or not. The truth of the matter is that, while I don’t think of myself as a hypochondriac, I will admit that my stamina in the face of any kind of pain is similar to that of a six-week-old kitten.
I’m the first to admit that I’m not particularly impervious to pain. Okay, I’m a wuss. Unlike my mom, who has a threshold for pain that would rival a trained Navy SEAL.
Plus, I know I’ll face the derision of several co-workers who will, undoubtedly, ask me, “Did ewe hafta go home, cause your wittle, itty, bitty head hurted ewe? Awww, poor baby,” said in a mocking sing-song that will undoubtedly endure until the next time I face an ailment when the theme will change to eye-rolling and recollections of the last time I “wimped” out.
I hate facing those particular co-workers. Not only are they sarcastic and unsympathetic, they also have incredible immune systems that ensure they’ll never miss a day of work.
I’d be lying if I said I’d never happily daydreamed of them calling in sick with a mysterious illness that defied explanation from the CDC.
Well, I can’t change the past, and I suppose there is no sense in continuing to interrogate myself. I did leave, and I will have to face those people. Even though my office personnel policy provides for actual emergencies like these. Nothing I can do about that.
But I can go find the rest of the chocolate Brett has hidden around the house. That may cheer me up. Heck, what am I saying? Of course, that will cheer me up.
Wish me happy hunting!
My migraine came on full force (as predicted), and I had the distinct displeasure of throwing up in our office bathroom. Lovely.
Since I was almost blinded by my head pain, and my gut was telling me I’d be spending some more quality time with the bathroom floor, I elected to exercise my executive staff “flexible hours” privilege and hightail it home.
My manager got about a minute’s notice as I hurriedly explained “Got to go. Migraine. Going to throw up. Not here again, please. Bye.”
I believe her exact words, or at least what I heard in my rush to get out were, “What? Oh, oooookay,” said in a strangely surprised manner.
I took the dangerous Route 2 home, just dreaming of all the ways in which death-by-car-accident could be more pleasant than the migraine torture currently coursing through my beleaguered brain.
Of course, I got stuck behind hey-I’ve-got-a-new-car-and-therefore-must-go-the-actual-speed-limit on the incredibly long Route 2 – normally known as the rural Autobahn of Rockford-Loves-Machesney-Roscoe-Rockton area.
Heck, the reason I TOOK the perilous way home was because I could get home faster. Or maybe hit a deer and die in bliss compared to the massive brain-tumor-like migraine.
Instead, I got stuck behind some new-car-owner going 45 mph. FORTY-FIVE!!! On Route 2. It’s like driving a Big Wheel on a NASCAR track.
Sheesh.
I had some choice words for the driver, although most of them were lost under the dull roar of the pain ocean rip tiding its way through my head. My efforts to hold my breakfast (or what was left of it) in my stomach were also being sorely tested.
By the time, I got home (and after I gave a full ten second glare to Ms. New Car Owner at the ONLY stop light on Roscoe Road) I rushed towards my Excedrin Migraine medication, downed two pills immediately, and took up residence on the bathroom floor for the better part of the early morning.
The meds kicked in and the pounding settled to a much more bearable ache. I had a Diet Coke from my secret stash and some of the chocolate Brett thought he had hid from me. Ha. I can find chocolate anywhere. Silly man.
The mix of meds, chocolate, and caffeine staved off the migraine, and the two hour nap helped tremendously. After the pain had subsided, I felt like a complete and total weenie for leaving work early.
At the time, the pain was so intense I felt like I had no choice. This is the fastest a migraine has ever gripped me. Usually I have a little more warning. A little more time. But today, I think I had a five minute warning before I was rubbing my temples and racing towards the bathroom.
Some people get migraines every day or at least once a week. I can’t even imagine the pain. If it were me, I don’t know how I could continue living. It’s pure torture. I count myself fortunate to only be visited with a migraine every six months or so.
Migraine pain is exquisite, sensitive, and sorely separate anguish. I’ve talked to other sufferers, people who have more frequent migraines, and everyone has a different theory as to what causes them, how to treat them, and whether or not there will ever be a cure.
I’m sure mine are hereditary. I remember Dad’s suffering. Many weekends, he’d spend sequestered in my parents’ room, in the dark, curtains drawn, and Mom and I would tiptoe and whisper our way around the house.
As it is with every time I’m sick, I torture myself afterwards debating whether I should have left work.
My job allows a very flexible schedule and a wide berth of sick days, vacation days, personal days, floating holidays, etc. One of the best perks of working for a non-profit.
But I still persecute myself with questions concerning whether I could have “toughed it out” or not. The truth of the matter is that, while I don’t think of myself as a hypochondriac, I will admit that my stamina in the face of any kind of pain is similar to that of a six-week-old kitten.
I’m the first to admit that I’m not particularly impervious to pain. Okay, I’m a wuss. Unlike my mom, who has a threshold for pain that would rival a trained Navy SEAL.
Plus, I know I’ll face the derision of several co-workers who will, undoubtedly, ask me, “Did ewe hafta go home, cause your wittle, itty, bitty head hurted ewe? Awww, poor baby,” said in a mocking sing-song that will undoubtedly endure until the next time I face an ailment when the theme will change to eye-rolling and recollections of the last time I “wimped” out.
I hate facing those particular co-workers. Not only are they sarcastic and unsympathetic, they also have incredible immune systems that ensure they’ll never miss a day of work.
I’d be lying if I said I’d never happily daydreamed of them calling in sick with a mysterious illness that defied explanation from the CDC.
Well, I can’t change the past, and I suppose there is no sense in continuing to interrogate myself. I did leave, and I will have to face those people. Even though my office personnel policy provides for actual emergencies like these. Nothing I can do about that.
But I can go find the rest of the chocolate Brett has hidden around the house. That may cheer me up. Heck, what am I saying? Of course, that will cheer me up.
Wish me happy hunting!
Y’all Ready for This?
Today is a headache day. I really can’t afford for it to be a headache day. But, no matter, my head is still pounding relentlessly. I can’t go home (much as I’d like to) since I’ve entirely too much work to do here!
Oh well, I’ve taken three Advil, drank slightly caffeinated green tea, and am thinking heavily about breaking my Diet Coke ban in order to free the headache demon currently sandblasting in my head.
Darn migraines! This is starting to feel suspiciously like one, and I know I can’t concentrate once it starts in earnest, in which case, I would have to go home (or have someone drive me home) since I would be incoherent. Hopefully, the drugs and caffeine will ward it off. Hopefully.
Anyway, I won’t spend my short time to complain about my headache (well, apparently, I will, but I mean not anymore…)
After my mixed-emotion post the other day, I thought I should post about something I am VERY excited about!!! I’m going to Tennessee to visit my cousins! Yea! (NOT spelled “yay” ever) My boss approved my vacation request, so I will be able to take the entire week of April 22 OFF!
Candice and I plan to leave on Sunday night. We’ll drive down together and talk (I’m assuming – we’re rarely mute). Grandma is also planning to go (we’re waiting to make sure her doctor signs off on the trip), along with Mom, Aunt Jan, and Aunt Louise. They will leave earlier and come back earlier than we will. They’ll probably bunk with Aunt Laurie, while we are planning to stay at Charity, Colleen, and BJ’s – suddenly the conservatives will be outweighed by the progressives – hang on BJ, we’re coming! Ha! Ha!
My poor cousin Colleen! I always tease her about being so conservative, but the truth is that I’ve always admired her for sticking to her convictions without imposing them or judgment on others. Goodness knows, I don’t do that! Well, I try, but when you’re so often right…
I am SO excited about the trip. I miss my sister-cousins and BJ, too. Without a doubt, BJ is one of the funniest, most talented, and under-appreciated guys I know. So what if we’re obviously related? (Smile) Seriously, I’ll bet if BJ wanted to…he could make anybody laugh. Although, I wouldn’t start with a parody of a Jeff Foxworthy skit, as that is, apparently, “lame.”
And I can’t wait to see Charity. The bane of my junior high existence is now one of my best friends, and I couldn't BE more happy to see her!
So, there’s a happy (albeit headache-y) post for today!
I hope they are going to be just as happy for US to invade their houses.
Watch out, y’all! The Rehfeldts are coming to Tennessee!
Oh well, I’ve taken three Advil, drank slightly caffeinated green tea, and am thinking heavily about breaking my Diet Coke ban in order to free the headache demon currently sandblasting in my head.
Darn migraines! This is starting to feel suspiciously like one, and I know I can’t concentrate once it starts in earnest, in which case, I would have to go home (or have someone drive me home) since I would be incoherent. Hopefully, the drugs and caffeine will ward it off. Hopefully.
Anyway, I won’t spend my short time to complain about my headache (well, apparently, I will, but I mean not anymore…)
After my mixed-emotion post the other day, I thought I should post about something I am VERY excited about!!! I’m going to Tennessee to visit my cousins! Yea! (NOT spelled “yay” ever) My boss approved my vacation request, so I will be able to take the entire week of April 22 OFF!
Candice and I plan to leave on Sunday night. We’ll drive down together and talk (I’m assuming – we’re rarely mute). Grandma is also planning to go (we’re waiting to make sure her doctor signs off on the trip), along with Mom, Aunt Jan, and Aunt Louise. They will leave earlier and come back earlier than we will. They’ll probably bunk with Aunt Laurie, while we are planning to stay at Charity, Colleen, and BJ’s – suddenly the conservatives will be outweighed by the progressives – hang on BJ, we’re coming! Ha! Ha!
My poor cousin Colleen! I always tease her about being so conservative, but the truth is that I’ve always admired her for sticking to her convictions without imposing them or judgment on others. Goodness knows, I don’t do that! Well, I try, but when you’re so often right…
I am SO excited about the trip. I miss my sister-cousins and BJ, too. Without a doubt, BJ is one of the funniest, most talented, and under-appreciated guys I know. So what if we’re obviously related? (Smile) Seriously, I’ll bet if BJ wanted to…he could make anybody laugh. Although, I wouldn’t start with a parody of a Jeff Foxworthy skit, as that is, apparently, “lame.”
And I can’t wait to see Charity. The bane of my junior high existence is now one of my best friends, and I couldn't BE more happy to see her!
So, there’s a happy (albeit headache-y) post for today!
I hope they are going to be just as happy for US to invade their houses.
Watch out, y’all! The Rehfeldts are coming to Tennessee!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Renewed: Romance & Rebellion
Brett and I are experiencing a time of renewed joy in our marriage. After our spectacularly lousy December, we were both feeling every kind of angry emotion. BUT since we both have the (stupid) inability to STAY upset at one another, we were also just longing for the emotional intimacy we’ve had ever since we met.
Well, somehow – by God’s grace – we seem to have found our way back on the path. The past couple months, and especially the past few weeks have been amazing! It’s like we are totally back in sync again.
We were talking about it last night (since we couldn’t sleep - thanks to the T-storms), and it was so great to just be able to share what was on our hearts and in our thoughts. We’ve actually been laughing at each other (in a wonderfully self-deprecating way) and loving being back on the same wavelength.
I told Brett how I am currently experiencing a rebellion in my heart. I know it is my “inner man” (the old nature) and probably outside forces, too – but I’ve really been struggling lately.
I mean, it’s like God has provided this great job for Brett which has basically changed his entire personality back to the man I originally fell in love with and married. And our marriage is rebounding from a rough patch. And things ARE going really well…so why I am so rebellious in my nature? I should be down on my knees praising God and thanking Him for His amazing provision. I know He has done these things.
So, why I am being rebellious? Why is it taking SO much extra effort for me to have devotions in the morning? Why does the very thought of going to church fill me with anticipated dread? Why do I do things I shouldn’t sometimes? Things I know full well that I shouldn’t.
I don’t know. But it WAS nice to finally talk to Brett about it.
I talked about missing my friends. I miss October’s gentle way of listening to me and reserving judgment. Seeing her again reminded me of why I love being her friend. We rarely agreed (on anything) yet we shared a relationship that was as rich and varied as our personalities.
This is a little shocking, but I think I miss Windsor. I miss going to church and knowing everyone there. I miss the history inside those walls – I grew up there. I miss seeing Dad leading the congregational singing. I miss people wanting to talk to me.
I miss the Windsor women - women my age – heck, of every age - who had active lives outside of the church building. Women who had careers, liked fashion, kept up on current events, read People magazine, understood pop culture, and had actually funny senses of humor. I could communicate with them. It made them entirely human with relatable problems and struggles as Christian women living in the unsaved world.
Don’t get me wrong. I believe God wants us to be at Morningstar. It’s something we both sincerely believe. It’s just that I haven’t yet developed the strong circle of friends I had at Windsor.
I don’t know who would be okay going to a movie, so I don’t ask anyone. Then, if I did, I would be afraid that I’d pick a bad movie, you know?
Also, I’m a “conversation drifter.” I don’t sit down and want to get all into theology and…usually I start talking about something completely different and then end up talking about…not theology. Ha! But, you know, spiritual things, nonetheless.
I don’t know. I just feel adrift spiritually. Like I’m searching for something. It’s like I feel like I’m wasting my life, but I don’t know what to do about it. I work. I volunteer. I go to church. I enjoy family and friends. I have hobbies.
What kind of superstar life am I thinking I’m going to have, you know?
Sure, I haven’t written the great American novel yet, but my life is good, so why do I feel so rebellious? I just don’t know.
Perhaps with time, I will. Still, it’s nice to have Brett back to talk through these things with me.
Well, somehow – by God’s grace – we seem to have found our way back on the path. The past couple months, and especially the past few weeks have been amazing! It’s like we are totally back in sync again.
We were talking about it last night (since we couldn’t sleep - thanks to the T-storms), and it was so great to just be able to share what was on our hearts and in our thoughts. We’ve actually been laughing at each other (in a wonderfully self-deprecating way) and loving being back on the same wavelength.
I told Brett how I am currently experiencing a rebellion in my heart. I know it is my “inner man” (the old nature) and probably outside forces, too – but I’ve really been struggling lately.
I mean, it’s like God has provided this great job for Brett which has basically changed his entire personality back to the man I originally fell in love with and married. And our marriage is rebounding from a rough patch. And things ARE going really well…so why I am so rebellious in my nature? I should be down on my knees praising God and thanking Him for His amazing provision. I know He has done these things.
So, why I am being rebellious? Why is it taking SO much extra effort for me to have devotions in the morning? Why does the very thought of going to church fill me with anticipated dread? Why do I do things I shouldn’t sometimes? Things I know full well that I shouldn’t.
I don’t know. But it WAS nice to finally talk to Brett about it.
I talked about missing my friends. I miss October’s gentle way of listening to me and reserving judgment. Seeing her again reminded me of why I love being her friend. We rarely agreed (on anything) yet we shared a relationship that was as rich and varied as our personalities.
This is a little shocking, but I think I miss Windsor. I miss going to church and knowing everyone there. I miss the history inside those walls – I grew up there. I miss seeing Dad leading the congregational singing. I miss people wanting to talk to me.
I miss the Windsor women - women my age – heck, of every age - who had active lives outside of the church building. Women who had careers, liked fashion, kept up on current events, read People magazine, understood pop culture, and had actually funny senses of humor. I could communicate with them. It made them entirely human with relatable problems and struggles as Christian women living in the unsaved world.
Don’t get me wrong. I believe God wants us to be at Morningstar. It’s something we both sincerely believe. It’s just that I haven’t yet developed the strong circle of friends I had at Windsor.
I don’t know who would be okay going to a movie, so I don’t ask anyone. Then, if I did, I would be afraid that I’d pick a bad movie, you know?
Also, I’m a “conversation drifter.” I don’t sit down and want to get all into theology and…usually I start talking about something completely different and then end up talking about…not theology. Ha! But, you know, spiritual things, nonetheless.
I don’t know. I just feel adrift spiritually. Like I’m searching for something. It’s like I feel like I’m wasting my life, but I don’t know what to do about it. I work. I volunteer. I go to church. I enjoy family and friends. I have hobbies.
What kind of superstar life am I thinking I’m going to have, you know?
Sure, I haven’t written the great American novel yet, but my life is good, so why do I feel so rebellious? I just don’t know.
Perhaps with time, I will. Still, it’s nice to have Brett back to talk through these things with me.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Ambitious April
April is starting to stack up as quite a busy month. I’m a social person (when it doesn’t involve cleaning my house or having people over), so I’m glad to see it fill up.
Here’s what’s on my dance card for April:
Friday, April 6
Dinner and games with Mom, Gary, Angie, and Tim at Angie and Tim’s new house
Sunday, April 8
Easter dinner up in Geneva at Bill and Sally’s (my brother-in-law’s family) with Brett side of the family plus Mom and Gary
Tuesday, April 10
Evening work event WAY out in Boone county – nice, long drive…make me glad I get reimbursed for mileage!
Friday, April 13
Spanish Movie Night – Angie gets extra credit is she goes to movie night for her Spanish Class at Rock Valley College, and she’s asked me to go and be supportive…so I go…and learn some Spanish!
Saturday, April 14 (morning)
Ladies Spring Tea at Mom’s church, First Baptist
Saturday, April 14 (evening)
Play up at Maranatha with Brett, Mom, Gary, Aunt Jan, and Uncle Darryl
Tuesday, April 17
Work dinner and schmoozing with the local YWCA – includes dinner, special speaker, and (again a plus) mileage reimbursement…so it’s not so bad!
Friday – Saturday, April 20 – 21
The Grace and Truth Conference (see link at right), the ladies spring “retreat” event at our church. Mom’s going, too!
Sunday – Thursday, April 22 – 26
Trip to Tennessee to see Charity, Colleen, BJ, and the Gaglianos, and to see Aunt Laurie receive a tribute for twenty years of service as a pastor’s wife at their church, South Haven Baptist. This is still tentative, as I am waiting to see if I can get off work, but it looks very probable. Traveling companions include Mom and Candice. Plus if Grandma decides to go then also Aunt Jan and Aunt Louise. REALLY looking forward to seeing my sister-cousins!
Saturday, April 28
Fiddler on the Roof matinee at the amazing Fireside Dinner Theater. Also attending – Brett, Mom, Gary, Aunt Jan, and Uncle Darryl.
It looks to be QUITE the busy month!
Here’s what’s on my dance card for April:
Friday, April 6
Dinner and games with Mom, Gary, Angie, and Tim at Angie and Tim’s new house
Sunday, April 8
Easter dinner up in Geneva at Bill and Sally’s (my brother-in-law’s family) with Brett side of the family plus Mom and Gary
Tuesday, April 10
Evening work event WAY out in Boone county – nice, long drive…make me glad I get reimbursed for mileage!
Friday, April 13
Spanish Movie Night – Angie gets extra credit is she goes to movie night for her Spanish Class at Rock Valley College, and she’s asked me to go and be supportive…so I go…and learn some Spanish!
Saturday, April 14 (morning)
Ladies Spring Tea at Mom’s church, First Baptist
Saturday, April 14 (evening)
Play up at Maranatha with Brett, Mom, Gary, Aunt Jan, and Uncle Darryl
Tuesday, April 17
Work dinner and schmoozing with the local YWCA – includes dinner, special speaker, and (again a plus) mileage reimbursement…so it’s not so bad!
Friday – Saturday, April 20 – 21
The Grace and Truth Conference (see link at right), the ladies spring “retreat” event at our church. Mom’s going, too!
Sunday – Thursday, April 22 – 26
Trip to Tennessee to see Charity, Colleen, BJ, and the Gaglianos, and to see Aunt Laurie receive a tribute for twenty years of service as a pastor’s wife at their church, South Haven Baptist. This is still tentative, as I am waiting to see if I can get off work, but it looks very probable. Traveling companions include Mom and Candice. Plus if Grandma decides to go then also Aunt Jan and Aunt Louise. REALLY looking forward to seeing my sister-cousins!
Saturday, April 28
Fiddler on the Roof matinee at the amazing Fireside Dinner Theater. Also attending – Brett, Mom, Gary, Aunt Jan, and Uncle Darryl.
It looks to be QUITE the busy month!
Stuffed Up Snogging...I mean, Blogging!
Well, it turns out I WAS indeed stuffed up. And now, indeed, am quick sick with a COLD!
Ah, yes the spring cold. But, of course, since I am STILL behind on my project, I am here at work, battling it all out. And I’ll be here Saturday, too.
Brett’s off today. Which is kind of too bad, since he TOO has a cold. The two of us sounded like sinus engines last night. I can’t imagine how bad the snoring must have been. Thankfully, we both slept right through each other’s loud honking.
I did have to go in the other room to read my book though, since I kept reading the same line every time he cleared his throat and coughed. Brett’s a big guy with big lungs, so when he coughs, it’s like being all cuddled up to an air horn.
The worst part is that I have a fever (so I’m sweating here at my desk – now I have my fan on me, so it’s a little better) and my head is stuffed up and feels heavy. I just hope to make it though the day okay.
Not many people in my office come to work (or if they come, they don’t stay very long) on Fridays, so not many people should bother me. Probably, Friday IS the best day to be sick and still be at work. And since I now have an office WITH a door, I can just shut it, and most people will only come in if they have to.
My co-workers are an interesting lot. We have (as all offices do) a lot of inter-office politics and a gossip chain like you wouldn’t believe. There are all sort of people in my office, and all with their little “quirks” and ways of beating the “system.”
Just recently, I heard that several of my co-workers think I’m a “hypochondriac.” Which I’m not, so I wasn’t really all that offended.
Ever since this one woman I work with survived her heart attack, she thinks everyone is just “faking” it when they get sick, so I’m pretty sure it came from her. In fact, when I took medical leave for my endometriosis surgery, she changed “medical leave” to “vacation” on the office calendar, and tried to pretend she didn’t.
Again, I don’t care, but I guess I must be at least a little sensitive to it, since I only told one person about this cold before I hid out in my office.
So, I’m “suffering” alone in silence, but at least I shared it with Brett! Now he can’t say I never gave him anything! (Smile)
Ah, yes the spring cold. But, of course, since I am STILL behind on my project, I am here at work, battling it all out. And I’ll be here Saturday, too.
Brett’s off today. Which is kind of too bad, since he TOO has a cold. The two of us sounded like sinus engines last night. I can’t imagine how bad the snoring must have been. Thankfully, we both slept right through each other’s loud honking.
I did have to go in the other room to read my book though, since I kept reading the same line every time he cleared his throat and coughed. Brett’s a big guy with big lungs, so when he coughs, it’s like being all cuddled up to an air horn.
The worst part is that I have a fever (so I’m sweating here at my desk – now I have my fan on me, so it’s a little better) and my head is stuffed up and feels heavy. I just hope to make it though the day okay.
Not many people in my office come to work (or if they come, they don’t stay very long) on Fridays, so not many people should bother me. Probably, Friday IS the best day to be sick and still be at work. And since I now have an office WITH a door, I can just shut it, and most people will only come in if they have to.
My co-workers are an interesting lot. We have (as all offices do) a lot of inter-office politics and a gossip chain like you wouldn’t believe. There are all sort of people in my office, and all with their little “quirks” and ways of beating the “system.”
Just recently, I heard that several of my co-workers think I’m a “hypochondriac.” Which I’m not, so I wasn’t really all that offended.
Ever since this one woman I work with survived her heart attack, she thinks everyone is just “faking” it when they get sick, so I’m pretty sure it came from her. In fact, when I took medical leave for my endometriosis surgery, she changed “medical leave” to “vacation” on the office calendar, and tried to pretend she didn’t.
Again, I don’t care, but I guess I must be at least a little sensitive to it, since I only told one person about this cold before I hid out in my office.
So, I’m “suffering” alone in silence, but at least I shared it with Brett! Now he can’t say I never gave him anything! (Smile)
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The OC (Only Child) Syndrome
I have a headache. And I’m all stuffed up. It’s probably sinus stuff. Weather related.
Whatever the case, I feel like a slow-moving slug today! I have a deadline looming – in fact, I’m PAST my deadline, and I’m nowhere near the point in the project I would like to be. I’m probably going to come in on Saturday to get caught up.
This is where I am envious of people who don’t have to work with deadlines. I feel the same way about people (like my factory-worker husband) whose jobs get done while they are away on vacation. When I come back from vacation, my work is still all there, piled high on my desk, waiting for ME to finish it. I KNOW I choose to work at a job with deadlines, but I hate ‘em with a passion.
I read somewhere that only children don’t work well with deadlines. We DO work well under pressure, but we tend to procrastinate and then when things get too big for us, we are easily overwhelmed. Don’t worry, there’s probably a “birth order” explanation to the problems that plague you, too.
Not that long ago, my cousin Charity recommended I read a birth order book. As kids, the two of us had a lot of discussions about how she thought I got everything I ever wanted as an only child (and was a spoiled brat – only somewhat true), and I thought she was the luckiest girl in the world to have a brother and two sisters.
I’m really glad I read the book, since I did learn a lot about myself. Most of what was said about only children DID apply to me. Some of it was new to me, but I found myself nodding in recognition:
ONLY CHILD
The only child develops only child characteristics from having to cope with playing alone and with having to fend off adult intrusion.
Characteristic Bad Feeling: Frustration
Strategies for survival: Imaginary companions, two speeds (fast and slow) for doing things
Felt Loss: Freedom
Sense of Justice: Everyone should be treated equally
Thought Pattern: Organization
T-shirt: "Leave me alone, I'd rather do it myself"
Childhood Behavior: Emotional, Obedient
Emotional Expression: demonstrative, tantrums
Source of Anger: Intrusion
Nature of Humor: Sarcasm
Means of Relating: Projection
Spirituality: Ethical
Relational: Feels others' feelings, fixer of problems
The Child Within: Smothered
Type of Procrastination: Put off big jobs while doing little jobs
Blind spot: What others think/feel
Boundaries: Has them for self and others
A walk in the woods: Stays on the path
Careers: Radio Announcer, Finance, Teaching, Ministry, Management
Strengths: Organizing, Stability
Parenting: Allows children time and space
Marriage: Tries to meet partner's expectations
As Friend: Emotional, Considerate
Social Contributions: Organizational leadership, authors of self-help books
Expression of Love: Worry
Driving Style: As if everyone is going to do the right thing
Listening Style: Puts own meaning into others' words
Common Phrase: "You know"
Responds To: "I don't know about you but...."
From Wikipedia
Only children may have characteristics of either the first born or the youngest child. Adler (1964) believed that because only children have no rivals for their parents' affection, they may be pampered and spoiled by their parents, particularly the mother. He suggested that this could cause later interpersonal difficulties if the person is not universally liked and admired.
Another view of only children, as noted by Alissa Eischens in her paper The Dilemma of the Only Child is that they learn to be children on their own, they learn to depend on themselves, and they have no problem being loners.
Naturally introverted only children may show extroverted qualities if he or she wishes to make friends. On the other hand, naturally extroverted children may learn to show introverted qualities by being content to focus on their thoughts when playmates are unavailable.
I really identified with the nature of humor (sarcastic) and the type of procrastination (SO true for me). Now, of course, I often think of those things when my deadlines loom, and I start to feel overwhelmed.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day, and I have Saturday, too, so hopefully, I’ll be able to get everything done.
Hopefully!
Whatever the case, I feel like a slow-moving slug today! I have a deadline looming – in fact, I’m PAST my deadline, and I’m nowhere near the point in the project I would like to be. I’m probably going to come in on Saturday to get caught up.
This is where I am envious of people who don’t have to work with deadlines. I feel the same way about people (like my factory-worker husband) whose jobs get done while they are away on vacation. When I come back from vacation, my work is still all there, piled high on my desk, waiting for ME to finish it. I KNOW I choose to work at a job with deadlines, but I hate ‘em with a passion.
I read somewhere that only children don’t work well with deadlines. We DO work well under pressure, but we tend to procrastinate and then when things get too big for us, we are easily overwhelmed. Don’t worry, there’s probably a “birth order” explanation to the problems that plague you, too.
Not that long ago, my cousin Charity recommended I read a birth order book. As kids, the two of us had a lot of discussions about how she thought I got everything I ever wanted as an only child (and was a spoiled brat – only somewhat true), and I thought she was the luckiest girl in the world to have a brother and two sisters.
I’m really glad I read the book, since I did learn a lot about myself. Most of what was said about only children DID apply to me. Some of it was new to me, but I found myself nodding in recognition:
ONLY CHILD
The only child develops only child characteristics from having to cope with playing alone and with having to fend off adult intrusion.
Characteristic Bad Feeling: Frustration
Strategies for survival: Imaginary companions, two speeds (fast and slow) for doing things
Felt Loss: Freedom
Sense of Justice: Everyone should be treated equally
Thought Pattern: Organization
T-shirt: "Leave me alone, I'd rather do it myself"
Childhood Behavior: Emotional, Obedient
Emotional Expression: demonstrative, tantrums
Source of Anger: Intrusion
Nature of Humor: Sarcasm
Means of Relating: Projection
Spirituality: Ethical
Relational: Feels others' feelings, fixer of problems
The Child Within: Smothered
Type of Procrastination: Put off big jobs while doing little jobs
Blind spot: What others think/feel
Boundaries: Has them for self and others
A walk in the woods: Stays on the path
Careers: Radio Announcer, Finance, Teaching, Ministry, Management
Strengths: Organizing, Stability
Parenting: Allows children time and space
Marriage: Tries to meet partner's expectations
As Friend: Emotional, Considerate
Social Contributions: Organizational leadership, authors of self-help books
Expression of Love: Worry
Driving Style: As if everyone is going to do the right thing
Listening Style: Puts own meaning into others' words
Common Phrase: "You know"
Responds To: "I don't know about you but...."
From Wikipedia
Only children may have characteristics of either the first born or the youngest child. Adler (1964) believed that because only children have no rivals for their parents' affection, they may be pampered and spoiled by their parents, particularly the mother. He suggested that this could cause later interpersonal difficulties if the person is not universally liked and admired.
Another view of only children, as noted by Alissa Eischens in her paper The Dilemma of the Only Child is that they learn to be children on their own, they learn to depend on themselves, and they have no problem being loners.
Naturally introverted only children may show extroverted qualities if he or she wishes to make friends. On the other hand, naturally extroverted children may learn to show introverted qualities by being content to focus on their thoughts when playmates are unavailable.
I really identified with the nature of humor (sarcastic) and the type of procrastination (SO true for me). Now, of course, I often think of those things when my deadlines loom, and I start to feel overwhelmed.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day, and I have Saturday, too, so hopefully, I’ll be able to get everything done.
Hopefully!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Why I Love the Library
Yesterday was a L-O-N-G day.
My work day went extra long, since I decided to help a co-worker. There I was, exhausted, and with still a trip to Satan’s Lair…oops, I mean, Walmart…in front of me. I had reserved some books online at the library, so I decided to stop by the library before heading to Satan’s Lair…oops, there I go again…Walmart.
As I got closer to the library, I began to feel the familiar excitement build up within me. The genuine happiness. I even felt myself speeding up my walk just a little as I stepped though the doors.
I love the library.
It hearkens back to when I was a little girl with no TV or VCR. Instead, Mom took me to the library. I remember the joy of being able to pick out all my own books. With Mom, there was never a limit to how many books I could pick out. I was a voracious speed reader, even at five. And I just read faster the older I got. My books were rarely returned late.
Now, with technology being what it is, I can look for interesting books and reserve them online with only one stop at the library required to pick them up. But, I still like to troll the library when I’m there. To breathe in the smell of book bindings, knowledge, and the expanse of the human mind committed to paper. Unlimited imagination from thousands of authors - all my fingertips. It’s pretty overwhelming and yet amazing at the same time.
I often think how impossible it would be to read every book ever written, and that kind of impossibility just stuns me.
I also love the quiet of the library. I love the fact that the library is place dedicated to silence. It is one of the few places left that has respect for silence and the difference it makes in the intake of knowledge.
One of the reasons I love the library SO much, apart for the childhood memories and the silence, is that it is a public institution. And it’s free. Anyone can walk in those doors and while they are there – the world becomes their oyster.
It’s an amazing thing.
I walked out carrying my stack of reserved books:
Born in Death
The Hard Way
Enslaved by Ducks
Speak
Shattering Glass
The House of the Scorpion
Later, I had my trip to Satan’s…I mean, Walmart. I went with Mom, and we enjoyed a quick dinner at Subway. By the time I got home, it was about 9:00 p.m. I was tired and wanted to go straight to bed. As I crawled between the covers, I just couldn’t handle the suspense. I read the first three chapters of Born in Death before I could even close my eyes.
And, do you know? I had great dreams!
My work day went extra long, since I decided to help a co-worker. There I was, exhausted, and with still a trip to Satan’s Lair…oops, I mean, Walmart…in front of me. I had reserved some books online at the library, so I decided to stop by the library before heading to Satan’s Lair…oops, there I go again…Walmart.
As I got closer to the library, I began to feel the familiar excitement build up within me. The genuine happiness. I even felt myself speeding up my walk just a little as I stepped though the doors.
I love the library.
It hearkens back to when I was a little girl with no TV or VCR. Instead, Mom took me to the library. I remember the joy of being able to pick out all my own books. With Mom, there was never a limit to how many books I could pick out. I was a voracious speed reader, even at five. And I just read faster the older I got. My books were rarely returned late.
Now, with technology being what it is, I can look for interesting books and reserve them online with only one stop at the library required to pick them up. But, I still like to troll the library when I’m there. To breathe in the smell of book bindings, knowledge, and the expanse of the human mind committed to paper. Unlimited imagination from thousands of authors - all my fingertips. It’s pretty overwhelming and yet amazing at the same time.
I often think how impossible it would be to read every book ever written, and that kind of impossibility just stuns me.
I also love the quiet of the library. I love the fact that the library is place dedicated to silence. It is one of the few places left that has respect for silence and the difference it makes in the intake of knowledge.
One of the reasons I love the library SO much, apart for the childhood memories and the silence, is that it is a public institution. And it’s free. Anyone can walk in those doors and while they are there – the world becomes their oyster.
It’s an amazing thing.
I walked out carrying my stack of reserved books:
Born in Death
The Hard Way
Enslaved by Ducks
Speak
Shattering Glass
The House of the Scorpion
Later, I had my trip to Satan’s…I mean, Walmart. I went with Mom, and we enjoyed a quick dinner at Subway. By the time I got home, it was about 9:00 p.m. I was tired and wanted to go straight to bed. As I crawled between the covers, I just couldn’t handle the suspense. I read the first three chapters of Born in Death before I could even close my eyes.
And, do you know? I had great dreams!
New (and oft visited) Links
I’ve added a couple of new links to my blog. These are two websites I visit on a regular basis and have found EXTREMELY helpful!
The first helps to satisfy my insatiable curiosity about movies I haven’t seen but still want to know “how it ends.” I don’t necessarily WANT to sit though all these – often badly made movies – but I still want to know the ending.
This website, www.moviepooper.com, helps by spoiling or “pooping” a HUGE number of movies. You will need to enable pop-ups temporarily for the site to work, since it is on a “frame” system. I could sit and read endings on this site all day long (if I didn’t have to work), so I will add a little warning that it CAN be VERY addictive, especially to movie buffs like me.
But it’s worth it if it saves me from spending $8.50 on a sub-par movie!
I ran across the second link before going on vacation with Brett’s family. Since ALL his family does on vacation is sit on the beach or go fishing, I knew I was going to have to bring books along to keep myself from going insane from boredom.
But, I didn’t want to just “take a stab” at choosing good books, and since I’m a mystery fan (blame my Mom for all the Victoria Holt and Dick Francis books she read and recounted to me while I was growing up!), I found this site, www.themysteryreader.com, which rates mystery books on a 1 to 5 star system.
The site also groups the mysteries by type – Suspense, Thriller, Historical, etc. I chose books for my vacation (5 stars only) based on the site’s recommendations, and I was VERY impressed with how much I enjoyed the books (and did not, as a result, kill myself from boredom).
Since then, I’ve returned to the site to choose each new mystery based on a 4 – 5 star rating, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The site also has a section that describes the plot without (obviously) giving the story away. I highly recommend it!
I’ve posted both links at right. Give them a try, and let me know what you think!
The first helps to satisfy my insatiable curiosity about movies I haven’t seen but still want to know “how it ends.” I don’t necessarily WANT to sit though all these – often badly made movies – but I still want to know the ending.
This website, www.moviepooper.com, helps by spoiling or “pooping” a HUGE number of movies. You will need to enable pop-ups temporarily for the site to work, since it is on a “frame” system. I could sit and read endings on this site all day long (if I didn’t have to work), so I will add a little warning that it CAN be VERY addictive, especially to movie buffs like me.
But it’s worth it if it saves me from spending $8.50 on a sub-par movie!
I ran across the second link before going on vacation with Brett’s family. Since ALL his family does on vacation is sit on the beach or go fishing, I knew I was going to have to bring books along to keep myself from going insane from boredom.
But, I didn’t want to just “take a stab” at choosing good books, and since I’m a mystery fan (blame my Mom for all the Victoria Holt and Dick Francis books she read and recounted to me while I was growing up!), I found this site, www.themysteryreader.com, which rates mystery books on a 1 to 5 star system.
The site also groups the mysteries by type – Suspense, Thriller, Historical, etc. I chose books for my vacation (5 stars only) based on the site’s recommendations, and I was VERY impressed with how much I enjoyed the books (and did not, as a result, kill myself from boredom).
Since then, I’ve returned to the site to choose each new mystery based on a 4 – 5 star rating, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The site also has a section that describes the plot without (obviously) giving the story away. I highly recommend it!
I’ve posted both links at right. Give them a try, and let me know what you think!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Hot Enough For Ya?
Well, it seems contradictory to complain, since I did just write about how grateful I am today, but I have just GOT to say something about this heat wave.
Everybody in the Rockford area is just oh-so-delighted about the change in the weather. We’ve gone from 50 to 80 overnight. Kids are out of school on spring break, and oh-just-everyone is SO enjoying this “wonderful weather” we’re having!
Give me a break! It’s hot. It’s TOO hot, already!
Yesterday, our office was SO overheated. We were all sweating like pigs during the workday. My hair was actually WET when I left last night! Out of all the offices, mine is where the central heating duct originates, so I get the full blast of the heat on me FIRST! It’s like sitting near the sun. And my little desk fan can hardly battle the power of the sun, you know?
They finally got the temperature fixed, but it’s still too hot for a heat-a-phobe like me. And what makes it worse is that everybody is just-oh-so-gosh-darn-happy about it.
How can they be so happy when sweat is dripping down my forehead into my eyes causing ME to have a stinging sensation?! Huh? How? When it’s hot, everything sticks to everything, and I feel like a slug who wants to shrivel up!
And my poor bunnies! They are breathing SO hard and look miserable. Like they can’t believe it’s this hot in MARCH!!! They still haven’t shed their winter coats, so the poor things are just suffering. I opened all the windows, turned on the fans, and laid out ceramic tiles for them to lay on.
I really could do without spring and summer. I really could.
When’s the next plane to Greenland?
Everybody in the Rockford area is just oh-so-delighted about the change in the weather. We’ve gone from 50 to 80 overnight. Kids are out of school on spring break, and oh-just-everyone is SO enjoying this “wonderful weather” we’re having!
Give me a break! It’s hot. It’s TOO hot, already!
Yesterday, our office was SO overheated. We were all sweating like pigs during the workday. My hair was actually WET when I left last night! Out of all the offices, mine is where the central heating duct originates, so I get the full blast of the heat on me FIRST! It’s like sitting near the sun. And my little desk fan can hardly battle the power of the sun, you know?
They finally got the temperature fixed, but it’s still too hot for a heat-a-phobe like me. And what makes it worse is that everybody is just-oh-so-gosh-darn-happy about it.
How can they be so happy when sweat is dripping down my forehead into my eyes causing ME to have a stinging sensation?! Huh? How? When it’s hot, everything sticks to everything, and I feel like a slug who wants to shrivel up!
And my poor bunnies! They are breathing SO hard and look miserable. Like they can’t believe it’s this hot in MARCH!!! They still haven’t shed their winter coats, so the poor things are just suffering. I opened all the windows, turned on the fans, and laid out ceramic tiles for them to lay on.
I really could do without spring and summer. I really could.
When’s the next plane to Greenland?
Morning Melody
Ever since Brett started his new job, we’ve developed a new schedule.
We both get up at 4:30 a.m. He takes a shower and makes breakfast for himself while I make his lunch. He’s out the door by 5:30 a.m., so he can be at work on the south side of Rockford by 6:00 a.m.
That leaves me up and awake with three and half hours to fill before I have to head to work. I’m not used to having that much time in the morning, but I’m finding it awfully convenient.
As time goes on, I’m sure I’ll be able to spend more time on my workout and in devotions, but this morning was just such a peaceful time for me. After Brett headed out the door, I popped a Mary Tyler Moore Show DVD in and enjoyed a long, leisurely breakfast.
Then I went upstairs, pulled up the blinds, opened the windows, and let the summer-like air breeze through the room. I got down on the floor and played with the bunnies, just enjoying the silence of the morning, although it wasn’t that silent, since the birds were chirping and everything. It was amazingly peaceful and calming to me, like a soothing bubble bath for my spirit.
On my way to work, I stopped for an Iced Tangerine Frappaccino at Starbucks. Every time I get an iced drink at Starbucks, I think about my intern days in Chicago. I had to walk 24 blocks one way to work in downtown Chicago, so I would stop by the Starbucks near school and grab an Iced Raspberry Tiazza. I would drink it as slowly as possible as I walked to work, relishing the sights and sounds of professional Chicago. Today, as I sipped my drink, I couldn’t stop smiling as I was transported back to those great days.
Boy, do I miss Chicago!
I was also smiling in the car, since I still felt so inwardly peaceful and tranquil. Of course, that may have been since I WAS listening to the great Johnny Cash on the radio.
Sometimes, I forget to appreciate the days when things go well, when I feel refreshed spiritually and emotionally.
I found myself thanking God for all His provisions. How He provided a husband and a family who love me, good friends, a roof over my head, food in the cupboards, two happy rabbits who make me smile, success and growth in my professional life, and SO much more.
I’m grateful. And the Iced Tangerine Frappaccino doesn’t hurt at all!
We both get up at 4:30 a.m. He takes a shower and makes breakfast for himself while I make his lunch. He’s out the door by 5:30 a.m., so he can be at work on the south side of Rockford by 6:00 a.m.
That leaves me up and awake with three and half hours to fill before I have to head to work. I’m not used to having that much time in the morning, but I’m finding it awfully convenient.
As time goes on, I’m sure I’ll be able to spend more time on my workout and in devotions, but this morning was just such a peaceful time for me. After Brett headed out the door, I popped a Mary Tyler Moore Show DVD in and enjoyed a long, leisurely breakfast.
Then I went upstairs, pulled up the blinds, opened the windows, and let the summer-like air breeze through the room. I got down on the floor and played with the bunnies, just enjoying the silence of the morning, although it wasn’t that silent, since the birds were chirping and everything. It was amazingly peaceful and calming to me, like a soothing bubble bath for my spirit.
On my way to work, I stopped for an Iced Tangerine Frappaccino at Starbucks. Every time I get an iced drink at Starbucks, I think about my intern days in Chicago. I had to walk 24 blocks one way to work in downtown Chicago, so I would stop by the Starbucks near school and grab an Iced Raspberry Tiazza. I would drink it as slowly as possible as I walked to work, relishing the sights and sounds of professional Chicago. Today, as I sipped my drink, I couldn’t stop smiling as I was transported back to those great days.
Boy, do I miss Chicago!
I was also smiling in the car, since I still felt so inwardly peaceful and tranquil. Of course, that may have been since I WAS listening to the great Johnny Cash on the radio.
Sometimes, I forget to appreciate the days when things go well, when I feel refreshed spiritually and emotionally.
I found myself thanking God for all His provisions. How He provided a husband and a family who love me, good friends, a roof over my head, food in the cupboards, two happy rabbits who make me smile, success and growth in my professional life, and SO much more.
I’m grateful. And the Iced Tangerine Frappaccino doesn’t hurt at all!
Monday, March 26, 2007
New Series!
After finishing the six season Quantum Leap series, I was at a loss! I knew there had to be other TV series out there, but I just didn’t know where to start. Thanks to my friend, Eric, I started watching Prison Break (via Netflix, of course) and am now seriously entrenched in the series.
It’s exciting and gripping AND Brett likes it too, which is nice. He was never much of a Quantum Leap or Smallville fan. But, he’ll sit down to watch Prison Break with me and we’ll end up watching all four episodes on the disc!
Brett has strange tastes in movies, like me, so it is one of the things we have in common.
For instance, I was never really that interested in the Harry Potter series. I just thought it was another kid movie from a book. Big whoop. But Angie and I went the $1.50 theater for a movie and decided (what the hey) that we would watch Harry Potter #3. After that, I was hooked. Those movies are amazingly well made, have great plots, and are whimsical, moving, and entrancing all at the same time.
After fighting with myself for a while, I sacrificed the money to buy Harry Potter 1-4 on DVD. It turned out to be a great investment, since I find myself watching one or the other pretty frequently. And the interesting thing was how much Brett liked the movies.
I would ask him what movie he wanted to watch, and he would say, “You can put one of your Harry Potters in.” He puts the emphasis on your but he wants to watch them even more than I do now!
Back to Prison Break, I would highly recommend it if you are an action/suspense freak like myself. It’s much cleaner than OZ (HBO’s version of prison life) but with a lot of the same-type characters. Plus Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller aren’t exactly hard on the eyes! Ha! Ha!
This show is NOT for the faint of heart, though. If violence makes you squeamish, you’d better stick to The Waltons!
It’s exciting and gripping AND Brett likes it too, which is nice. He was never much of a Quantum Leap or Smallville fan. But, he’ll sit down to watch Prison Break with me and we’ll end up watching all four episodes on the disc!
Brett has strange tastes in movies, like me, so it is one of the things we have in common.
For instance, I was never really that interested in the Harry Potter series. I just thought it was another kid movie from a book. Big whoop. But Angie and I went the $1.50 theater for a movie and decided (what the hey) that we would watch Harry Potter #3. After that, I was hooked. Those movies are amazingly well made, have great plots, and are whimsical, moving, and entrancing all at the same time.
After fighting with myself for a while, I sacrificed the money to buy Harry Potter 1-4 on DVD. It turned out to be a great investment, since I find myself watching one or the other pretty frequently. And the interesting thing was how much Brett liked the movies.
I would ask him what movie he wanted to watch, and he would say, “You can put one of your Harry Potters in.” He puts the emphasis on your but he wants to watch them even more than I do now!
Back to Prison Break, I would highly recommend it if you are an action/suspense freak like myself. It’s much cleaner than OZ (HBO’s version of prison life) but with a lot of the same-type characters. Plus Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller aren’t exactly hard on the eyes! Ha! Ha!
This show is NOT for the faint of heart, though. If violence makes you squeamish, you’d better stick to The Waltons!
Weekend Wonder – Sunday Edition
On Sunday, we took a L-O-N-G drive to Mt. Morris to celebrate Gary’s granddaughter’s birthday! Brigitte turned FIVE years old! So hard to believe.
The drive there and back, along Route 2, was beautiful. We went through Oregon, along the river, and saw the always-impressive Chief Blackhawk statue. I reminisced about visiting the statue with Mom and Dad when I was a little girl. We also saw White Pines ranch, and Brett told me how his Boy Scout Troop used to come out to the ranch to go riding and spend the night in the bunkhouses.
The weather was so gorgeous, that I (Queen of Don’t-Mess-Up-My-Hair Land) didn’t mind having the window down!
Brigitte’s party was in a dimly-lit, crowded roller rink, but it didn’t matter to her. She’s quite the little roller skater, and oh-so-cute in her custom My Little Pony pink roller skates. She was passing adults out on the skating floor! And she’s FIVE!
So, we adults squeezed into tiny tables and ate bland pizza and yummy cake and watched as she opened presents.
“Bridgy,” as we call her, is a girly-girl (like her aunt). She got lots of PINK, PRINCESSES, and PONIES. We got her a My Little Pony purse with actual long hair she can brush, a coloring book and crayons, and a bunny night shirt. She liked it a lot!
What had us all laughing was the fact that she’s only five, and got five purses for her birthday. I can’t wait until I can take her into Chicago to go shopping at American Girl!
After the party, we headed back home on that beautiful drive. We got groceries, did the bun’s veggie mix for the week, and cleaned.
All in all, a busy, productive weekend!
The drive there and back, along Route 2, was beautiful. We went through Oregon, along the river, and saw the always-impressive Chief Blackhawk statue. I reminisced about visiting the statue with Mom and Dad when I was a little girl. We also saw White Pines ranch, and Brett told me how his Boy Scout Troop used to come out to the ranch to go riding and spend the night in the bunkhouses.
The weather was so gorgeous, that I (Queen of Don’t-Mess-Up-My-Hair Land) didn’t mind having the window down!
Brigitte’s party was in a dimly-lit, crowded roller rink, but it didn’t matter to her. She’s quite the little roller skater, and oh-so-cute in her custom My Little Pony pink roller skates. She was passing adults out on the skating floor! And she’s FIVE!
So, we adults squeezed into tiny tables and ate bland pizza and yummy cake and watched as she opened presents.
“Bridgy,” as we call her, is a girly-girl (like her aunt). She got lots of PINK, PRINCESSES, and PONIES. We got her a My Little Pony purse with actual long hair she can brush, a coloring book and crayons, and a bunny night shirt. She liked it a lot!
What had us all laughing was the fact that she’s only five, and got five purses for her birthday. I can’t wait until I can take her into Chicago to go shopping at American Girl!
After the party, we headed back home on that beautiful drive. We got groceries, did the bun’s veggie mix for the week, and cleaned.
All in all, a busy, productive weekend!
Weekend Wonder – Saturday Edition
This past Saturday started early for me, since I got in from the movies at 1:15 a.m., but I still managed to get some good sleep!
We got up at about 8:00 a.m., got ready, and headed over to Cracker Barrel to see October – my long lost college roommate, friend, and bridesmaid – who we hadn’t seen in SEVEN LONG YEARS!
We got there and reserved a table for TWEVLE! Thankfully, they were able to accommodate us.
It was great to see “Tob” – her nickname. She looks the same, except for now she has four beautiful children – Diego, Liana, Sergio, and Esteban. She also brought her neighbor’s delightful daughter Gabrielle “Gabby” to help with the younger children.
Her children were absolutely beautiful and (may I add as an often cynical non-child-having person) very well behaved at the restaurant! And I have to say that my heart broke out in smiles when she introduced me to her daughter (who is partially named after me) as “Mommy’s best, best, best, bestest friend in the whole, wide world!”
It was as nice as it is mutual! Tob’s daughter, Liana, is named after two of her college friends – Tiana as the “iana” part, and me as the “ana” part! I’ve never had anyone named after me before, and it was a great honor when Tob told me after Liana was born!
We were only able to spend about two hours together, but it was so refreshing to see Tob again! It brought back the flood of memories and (as it always is with real friends) we were able to pick up right where we left off! We could have talked for hours!
Mom and Gary were also able to come and see Tob – Mom loved all my college roommates! And brought Gary’s grandchildren – Andrew and Brigitte with them. So, I got to see my niece and nephew and (of course) do a little spoiling!
Later, Brett and I headed to Game Night Group. There was a smaller crowd than normal, but still a nice group. There was us, of course, Mom and Gary, Larry and Mary, Patty, Ginny, Andrea, (and Andrea’s kids – Rachel, Nathan, and Andrew – who are growing up so fast, almost THREE teenagers now!).
We enjoyed pizza lasagna, spaghetti, taco soup, cheese, salad, and Mary’s special cake! Brett and company (Ginny and Gary) played Ten Pennies, while the rest of us played Trivial Pursuit – Pop Culture Edition! My team – me, Mom, Andrea, and Rachel – WON! Whoo-Hoo! Our team won again at Scene It – TV Edition, but with Patty replacing Mom, since she and Gary went home early.
Rachel (Andrea’s daughter) was our “lucky” roller! That girl is gifted with dice! I told Andrea that it looks like Rachel had a future in gambling – ha, ha – and Andrea said that wasn’t quite the career she had in mind… but if it makes her happy, then… (Smile).
It was another long night, with Brett and I finally getting home from Durand around 1:00 a.m. But being exhausted always better when it’s for a good reason. Like being with good friends!
We got up at about 8:00 a.m., got ready, and headed over to Cracker Barrel to see October – my long lost college roommate, friend, and bridesmaid – who we hadn’t seen in SEVEN LONG YEARS!
We got there and reserved a table for TWEVLE! Thankfully, they were able to accommodate us.
It was great to see “Tob” – her nickname. She looks the same, except for now she has four beautiful children – Diego, Liana, Sergio, and Esteban. She also brought her neighbor’s delightful daughter Gabrielle “Gabby” to help with the younger children.
Her children were absolutely beautiful and (may I add as an often cynical non-child-having person) very well behaved at the restaurant! And I have to say that my heart broke out in smiles when she introduced me to her daughter (who is partially named after me) as “Mommy’s best, best, best, bestest friend in the whole, wide world!”
It was as nice as it is mutual! Tob’s daughter, Liana, is named after two of her college friends – Tiana as the “iana” part, and me as the “ana” part! I’ve never had anyone named after me before, and it was a great honor when Tob told me after Liana was born!
We were only able to spend about two hours together, but it was so refreshing to see Tob again! It brought back the flood of memories and (as it always is with real friends) we were able to pick up right where we left off! We could have talked for hours!
Mom and Gary were also able to come and see Tob – Mom loved all my college roommates! And brought Gary’s grandchildren – Andrew and Brigitte with them. So, I got to see my niece and nephew and (of course) do a little spoiling!
Later, Brett and I headed to Game Night Group. There was a smaller crowd than normal, but still a nice group. There was us, of course, Mom and Gary, Larry and Mary, Patty, Ginny, Andrea, (and Andrea’s kids – Rachel, Nathan, and Andrew – who are growing up so fast, almost THREE teenagers now!).
We enjoyed pizza lasagna, spaghetti, taco soup, cheese, salad, and Mary’s special cake! Brett and company (Ginny and Gary) played Ten Pennies, while the rest of us played Trivial Pursuit – Pop Culture Edition! My team – me, Mom, Andrea, and Rachel – WON! Whoo-Hoo! Our team won again at Scene It – TV Edition, but with Patty replacing Mom, since she and Gary went home early.
Rachel (Andrea’s daughter) was our “lucky” roller! That girl is gifted with dice! I told Andrea that it looks like Rachel had a future in gambling – ha, ha – and Andrea said that wasn’t quite the career she had in mind… but if it makes her happy, then… (Smile).
It was another long night, with Brett and I finally getting home from Durand around 1:00 a.m. But being exhausted always better when it’s for a good reason. Like being with good friends!
Weekend Wonder – Friday Edition
This past weekend is exactly the weekend I love – a weekend filled with things to do, people to see, and time to spend with my husband!
On Friday, Angie and I went to the movies. Due to some weird scheduling, over the past two weeks we saw SEVEN movies. Normally, we see three (maybe four) movies a month. Maybe. But these past two weeks our schedules worked out, so we could see seven. Brett went to one, Shooter, with us. But other than that, it was just the two of us.
Here are the movies we saw:
Zodiac – Excellent! Very suspenseful and well told movie about the Zodiac killings in San Francisco in the 70’s.
Wild Hogs – Somewhat lame comedy about middle aged motorcyclists. William H. Macy stole the show, since Tim Allen, John Travolta, and Martin Lawrence just phoned it in.
Ghost Rider – Nicholas Cage stars as the comic book hero who makes a deal with the devil. A lot of more Satanic references than we expected. Not worth the money or a rental.
Premonition – Sandra Bullock does a great job acting, but the plot about the woman who is living the days of the week out of order and trying to stop her husband’s immanent death was thin and not very believable.
Shooter – Mmm… Mark Wahlberg stars in a gripping story about a man hired to stop a presidential assassination, but is (instead) framed for it, and how he manages to redeem himself. Very good – rental material!
The Last Mimzy – This was billed as a kids’ movie, but neither Angie nor I thought it was appropriate for kids (although our theater was filled with them!). It is about two children who find futuristic toys and then have to try and save the future. A good premise that gets very weird at the end – sort of hinging on a non-Christian view of a “new Adam and new Eve.” Not worth the time.
Reign Over Me – Adam Sandler surprised us both with a strong dramatic story about a man who is emotionally traumatized after he loses his wife and three daughters in a plane on September 11. Don Cheadle stars as his long-lost college roommate who becomes his only friend. Angie and I really liked this movie and felt it was a solid drama well worth our $8.50.
Along with the movie, we enjoyed the previews for the upcoming movies and tried to come to a consensus on which movies to put on our “list.” It’s funny –whenever we watch a preview, we turn to each other and often ask simultaneously, “Is that on our list?”
Our list gets long sometimes, and we have to switch the movies to our Netflix lists if the DVD comes out before we can make it to the theater.
Here are a few currently on our “list”:
Meet the Robinsons
The Lookout (we like Joseph Gordon-Levitt!)
Disturbia
Perfect Stranger
Land of Women
Nanny Diaries
The Invisible
Spider Man 3
Knocked Up
Fantastic Four – Rise of the Silver Surfer
Now, we probably won’t be able to see them all, but that’s what makes Netflix SO great!
When we weren’t watching the movies, we checked out Angie's new fancy-dancy-all-in-one-phone – she can e-mail and everything! So cool!
As usual, we had a great time, but I got in trouble when I was a game night. People were like, “Hey! Invite us next time!” So, I guess I’ll have to do that!
I ended up getting home around 1:15 a.m. on Saturday morning. We started the moves at 3:40 p.m. on Friday, so I guess you could say it was long, FUN night!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Being Blissfully Busy
My, my - what a busy weekend I have planned!
It didn’t start out that way. All I had on the slate originally was my niece Brigitte’s birthday party on Sunday. And church on Sunday, of course.
Brigitte is Gary’s daughter, Camille’s, daughter, so technically she’s my step-niece, but they throw all that out and just let us adore her! She is going to be five years old already! She had JUST been born when Mom and Gary got married. In fact, we had to do a lot of guesswork on Camille’s bridesmaid dress since she was going to be giving birth just a little while before the wedding!
Brigitte has always adored her Uncle Brett, which is nice since he doesn’t have a special relationship with any of his nephews or his niece. And I, of course, as an only child, didn’t have any nieces or nephews “biologically.”
Anyway, Brigitte and Brett share a special relationship. I don’t know what it is about him, but Brigitte just treats him like a jungle gym. She climbs all over him.
In fact, once when he fell asleep on the couch, she snuck up and silently covered him in My Little Pony stickers. He woke up and was simply clothed in pink and purple glitter stickers! He thought it was the funniest thing, and I’ve got the photos to prove it!
One of the cuter moments happened when we visited Dave (Camille’s husband), Camille, and family right after they moved to Dixon. Mom and I came in the door together while Gary and Brett went to go park the cars.
Brigitte came running up to me and asked, “When is your daddy going to get here? Where is your daddy?” So, I explained to her that I didn’t have a “daddy” anymore, and that her mom was letting me share HER daddy – Gary.
Then, Brett walked in the door, and Brigitte raced toward him screaming, “Your daddy’s here! Your daddy’s here!” Oh, I had so much fun calling Brett “Daddy” that night! We laughed our heads off at that!
So, we are always excited to see Dave, Camille, Brigitte, and Andrew – our amazing nephew! We are heading out to the White Pines Roller Rink in Dixon on Sunday to help Brigitte celebrate five great years.
In the meantime, my weekend filled up! Angie, Brett, and I are going to the movies tonight. We are planning to see Shooter (with the “talented” Mark Wahlberg), The Last Mimzy (with Rainn Wilson), and Reign Over Me (with a “dramatic” Adam Sandler).
Saturday morning, October, my college roommate who I haven’t seen in SEVEN years, will be in town. We are planning to meet up at the Cracker Barrel in Rockford, but we only have a little time, since she has to be in Chicago by early afternoon. I’ll finally be able to meet her three children and her adopted son! I’m so excited!!!! I’ve missed her SO much!
Saturday evening is Game Night Group, and of course, Sunday is already full with church and the family birthday party!
I’m a social person, so this kind of weekend just makes me feel incredibly blessed to have friends and family who want to spend tome together.
And it means that I won’t have a single iota of time to clean the house. Now, THAT’S the real blessing!
It didn’t start out that way. All I had on the slate originally was my niece Brigitte’s birthday party on Sunday. And church on Sunday, of course.
Brigitte is Gary’s daughter, Camille’s, daughter, so technically she’s my step-niece, but they throw all that out and just let us adore her! She is going to be five years old already! She had JUST been born when Mom and Gary got married. In fact, we had to do a lot of guesswork on Camille’s bridesmaid dress since she was going to be giving birth just a little while before the wedding!
Brigitte has always adored her Uncle Brett, which is nice since he doesn’t have a special relationship with any of his nephews or his niece. And I, of course, as an only child, didn’t have any nieces or nephews “biologically.”
Anyway, Brigitte and Brett share a special relationship. I don’t know what it is about him, but Brigitte just treats him like a jungle gym. She climbs all over him.
In fact, once when he fell asleep on the couch, she snuck up and silently covered him in My Little Pony stickers. He woke up and was simply clothed in pink and purple glitter stickers! He thought it was the funniest thing, and I’ve got the photos to prove it!
One of the cuter moments happened when we visited Dave (Camille’s husband), Camille, and family right after they moved to Dixon. Mom and I came in the door together while Gary and Brett went to go park the cars.
Brigitte came running up to me and asked, “When is your daddy going to get here? Where is your daddy?” So, I explained to her that I didn’t have a “daddy” anymore, and that her mom was letting me share HER daddy – Gary.
Then, Brett walked in the door, and Brigitte raced toward him screaming, “Your daddy’s here! Your daddy’s here!” Oh, I had so much fun calling Brett “Daddy” that night! We laughed our heads off at that!
So, we are always excited to see Dave, Camille, Brigitte, and Andrew – our amazing nephew! We are heading out to the White Pines Roller Rink in Dixon on Sunday to help Brigitte celebrate five great years.
In the meantime, my weekend filled up! Angie, Brett, and I are going to the movies tonight. We are planning to see Shooter (with the “talented” Mark Wahlberg), The Last Mimzy (with Rainn Wilson), and Reign Over Me (with a “dramatic” Adam Sandler).
Saturday morning, October, my college roommate who I haven’t seen in SEVEN years, will be in town. We are planning to meet up at the Cracker Barrel in Rockford, but we only have a little time, since she has to be in Chicago by early afternoon. I’ll finally be able to meet her three children and her adopted son! I’m so excited!!!! I’ve missed her SO much!
Saturday evening is Game Night Group, and of course, Sunday is already full with church and the family birthday party!
I’m a social person, so this kind of weekend just makes me feel incredibly blessed to have friends and family who want to spend tome together.
And it means that I won’t have a single iota of time to clean the house. Now, THAT’S the real blessing!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Me & Mom’s Menagerie
Now that Mom is retired, she finally has time to go through all the “stuff” she has managed to accumulate over the years. And, since she is an ever-evolving person, she’s decided to try and sell some of it on ebay. My web savvy cousin Candice is going help her.
Due to this, Mom and I have been having this interesting little back and forth conversation. I want to look at the stuff she is putting on ebay BEFORE she puts it on, in case it is something important to me - something I want to remember my childhood or my parents by.
Mom doesn’t understand this. After all, it’s HER stuff, and she can do with it what she wants. And if makes her a little extra money, then that’s even better. And she insists it’s nothing I would want anyway.
We’ve had this conversation several times. The main points:
Me: Let me look at the stuff before you sell it. I might want some of it.
Mom: It’s not your stuff, besides you wouldn’t want it anyway.
Me: How do you know that? You didn’t think I’d want the big, brass duck-shaped bubble gum machine, and I did.
Mom: What would you do with the stuff, anyway? And what happens to it after you die?
Me: You don’t know what things I would want to remember my childhood by. And I’m only 28. There is still a chance I might be able to have kids and pass it on. And even if not, what’s the harm in me keeping important family heirlooms?
Mom: They’re not important. It’s mostly junk. I’m telling you, you wouldn’t want it anyway.
Rinse and repeat.
So, let me set the record straight. I have NO problem with Mom selling her stuff on ebay. That’s fine. The only reason I want to look at the stuff beforehand is because…well, that’s the tough part.
See, I love being an only child. Heck, I’d advocate for it. Except…one of the toughest parts of BEING an only child is that you have no one to share childhood family memories with. In other words, I can never say, “Hey, remember that time when Dad…” to anyone.
My cousins – CCC & B – can share memories of their deceased mom whenever they want to. They have a shared family heritage. I, on the other hand, only have my mom, and should she “go” before I do, I’ll have no one to reminisce over the things Dad or Mom did. Just me.
So it often helps my emotional state to be in the presence of the “things” that make up my memories. Like the big, brass duck – from when Mom went through her ducks-in-the-kitchen phase, and Dad used to say, “I don’t know whether to eat or hunt in here!”
Or the chocolate ceramic bunny Mom put out every Easter. Now I put it out. Every time I look at it, I smile, remembering closet doors slamming and crawling under the couch to look for my hidden Easter baskets as a kid.
Yes, they are just “things,” and I know people are more important than things. But I don’t HAVE as many people as most, so I hope you can excuse my little emotional need to have some “things” to surround myself with when I’m feeling nostalgic.
On the plus side, if Mom does decide to put it all on ebay, at least I can bid on it! And the cost of shipping won’t kill me.
Due to this, Mom and I have been having this interesting little back and forth conversation. I want to look at the stuff she is putting on ebay BEFORE she puts it on, in case it is something important to me - something I want to remember my childhood or my parents by.
Mom doesn’t understand this. After all, it’s HER stuff, and she can do with it what she wants. And if makes her a little extra money, then that’s even better. And she insists it’s nothing I would want anyway.
We’ve had this conversation several times. The main points:
Me: Let me look at the stuff before you sell it. I might want some of it.
Mom: It’s not your stuff, besides you wouldn’t want it anyway.
Me: How do you know that? You didn’t think I’d want the big, brass duck-shaped bubble gum machine, and I did.
Mom: What would you do with the stuff, anyway? And what happens to it after you die?
Me: You don’t know what things I would want to remember my childhood by. And I’m only 28. There is still a chance I might be able to have kids and pass it on. And even if not, what’s the harm in me keeping important family heirlooms?
Mom: They’re not important. It’s mostly junk. I’m telling you, you wouldn’t want it anyway.
Rinse and repeat.
So, let me set the record straight. I have NO problem with Mom selling her stuff on ebay. That’s fine. The only reason I want to look at the stuff beforehand is because…well, that’s the tough part.
See, I love being an only child. Heck, I’d advocate for it. Except…one of the toughest parts of BEING an only child is that you have no one to share childhood family memories with. In other words, I can never say, “Hey, remember that time when Dad…” to anyone.
My cousins – CCC & B – can share memories of their deceased mom whenever they want to. They have a shared family heritage. I, on the other hand, only have my mom, and should she “go” before I do, I’ll have no one to reminisce over the things Dad or Mom did. Just me.
So it often helps my emotional state to be in the presence of the “things” that make up my memories. Like the big, brass duck – from when Mom went through her ducks-in-the-kitchen phase, and Dad used to say, “I don’t know whether to eat or hunt in here!”
Or the chocolate ceramic bunny Mom put out every Easter. Now I put it out. Every time I look at it, I smile, remembering closet doors slamming and crawling under the couch to look for my hidden Easter baskets as a kid.
Yes, they are just “things,” and I know people are more important than things. But I don’t HAVE as many people as most, so I hope you can excuse my little emotional need to have some “things” to surround myself with when I’m feeling nostalgic.
On the plus side, if Mom does decide to put it all on ebay, at least I can bid on it! And the cost of shipping won’t kill me.
Turbulent Tuesday
Mom called me at work yesterday to tell me that our friend Andrea’s grandmother died. She discovered it accidentally when she was reading the paper, and then she read that the visitation was that day (yesterday). She asked me if I wanted to go to the visitation with her.
I had already planned to go to Weight Watchers, so I called my WW buddy and let her know what had come up. So, Mom picked me up from work and we headed to Fitzgerald’s Funeral Home over on S. Mulford.
While we were standing in line, we saw photos of Andrea’s family tree. It is kind of a weird connection that Mom and I have to Andrea. I knew Andrea from Windsor, and when Mom met her, she discovered that she and Andrea’s dad, Ralph, had gone to high school together! Small world.
Since it was Ralph’s mother that had died, there were some old photos of a much younger Ralph, back in his high school days, when Mom knew him. She pointed the photos out to me, and then said, “He kind of looks like that kid in October Sky.” She meant Jake Gyllenhaal – also star of the now-famous “gay cowboy movie” Brokeback Mountain.
I found the comparison pretty funny, since Andrea’s dad now looks more like an older version of Dennis Franz. When I passed the “compliment” on to Andrea, she laughed and said that it was more of an insult to Jake than anything. Actually, I believe her actual words were, “Poor Jake. He must really be going to go downhill as he gets older!”
After the visitation, Mom and I decided to try a new place to eat – Old Chicago, on East State. Neither of us had ever gone there – me, since I’d heard it was more of a beer drinking establishment, and Mom just never had the chance.
Well, Mom was REALLY in the mood for a pizza, so she wanted to try it. It was pretty good. We had two really nice waitresses. The appetizer tray was good – especially the pepperoni rolls which were made of pepperoni, ranch dressing, and cheese – all baked into a calzone-type roll. Mmmmm. Delicious!
The pizza was good, but not the best pizza I’ve ever had. Still, Mom and I enjoyed two slices each and saved the rest for my hungry hubby back at home.
Afterwards, we stopped by the Dollar Store and picked up some bargains, before heading back to my office, so I could grab my car and head home.
When I got home, I was SO tired. I took a Jacuzzi and then crawled into bed. I remember thinking, “Gosh, it must be SO late.” Then I looked at the clock. It was only 9:42 p.m.! My schedule must have been WAY off. So, I snuggled up with my $1 book I just bought (originally sold for $20) and eventually dropped of to sleep.
It was very eventful evening. I got to “be there” for a good friend. Spend time with my favorite person (my mom – like you didn’t know), enjoy a yummy dinner, AND go shopping!
Sometimes, it’s nice to stop and appreciate it when things work out so well! Well, except for someone dying, of course, that part was sad, but otherwise...
I had already planned to go to Weight Watchers, so I called my WW buddy and let her know what had come up. So, Mom picked me up from work and we headed to Fitzgerald’s Funeral Home over on S. Mulford.
While we were standing in line, we saw photos of Andrea’s family tree. It is kind of a weird connection that Mom and I have to Andrea. I knew Andrea from Windsor, and when Mom met her, she discovered that she and Andrea’s dad, Ralph, had gone to high school together! Small world.
Since it was Ralph’s mother that had died, there were some old photos of a much younger Ralph, back in his high school days, when Mom knew him. She pointed the photos out to me, and then said, “He kind of looks like that kid in October Sky.” She meant Jake Gyllenhaal – also star of the now-famous “gay cowboy movie” Brokeback Mountain.
I found the comparison pretty funny, since Andrea’s dad now looks more like an older version of Dennis Franz. When I passed the “compliment” on to Andrea, she laughed and said that it was more of an insult to Jake than anything. Actually, I believe her actual words were, “Poor Jake. He must really be going to go downhill as he gets older!”
After the visitation, Mom and I decided to try a new place to eat – Old Chicago, on East State. Neither of us had ever gone there – me, since I’d heard it was more of a beer drinking establishment, and Mom just never had the chance.
Well, Mom was REALLY in the mood for a pizza, so she wanted to try it. It was pretty good. We had two really nice waitresses. The appetizer tray was good – especially the pepperoni rolls which were made of pepperoni, ranch dressing, and cheese – all baked into a calzone-type roll. Mmmmm. Delicious!
The pizza was good, but not the best pizza I’ve ever had. Still, Mom and I enjoyed two slices each and saved the rest for my hungry hubby back at home.
Afterwards, we stopped by the Dollar Store and picked up some bargains, before heading back to my office, so I could grab my car and head home.
When I got home, I was SO tired. I took a Jacuzzi and then crawled into bed. I remember thinking, “Gosh, it must be SO late.” Then I looked at the clock. It was only 9:42 p.m.! My schedule must have been WAY off. So, I snuggled up with my $1 book I just bought (originally sold for $20) and eventually dropped of to sleep.
It was very eventful evening. I got to “be there” for a good friend. Spend time with my favorite person (my mom – like you didn’t know), enjoy a yummy dinner, AND go shopping!
Sometimes, it’s nice to stop and appreciate it when things work out so well! Well, except for someone dying, of course, that part was sad, but otherwise...
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