(To read Charlie's post on this topic, click here.)
Okay....Friday was "one of those days"....One of those days where fire comes shooting out my ears. And as a regular visitor atop the soap box, happens quite frequently. I received a forward in my email inbox about how I should "boycott the upcoming release of the United States Postal Service stamp" which commemorates a Muslim holiday. To read the entire email message, click here. After reading this "harmless" email, I realized that not only was this message wrong in content, it was also COMPLETELY intolerant and ignorant. To read the press release with the correct message, click here. What I find a little amuzing is that the press release for the release of the stamp was back in 2001. I guess this group hoping that we will boycott this is a little late in the game....
So, here is my response to this message....
If we judge a whole entire community on the actions of one person or a small segment of that community, such as this email message does, then we have many more problems to face than I thought. (I tend to be positive and 'nieve' in thinking that we are becoming more tolerant and compassionate.) Was the entire Christian Community judged after the Timothy McVeigh bombing or after WACO? Is the Christian community seen as having the same beliefs as the extreme right (Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, etc.)? I've not seen it.... Do we judge every police officer in the United States for the brutal acts of a few corrupt officers? Once again, I haven't seen it. So, why then, is it "patriotic" and "acceptable" to judge a peaceful religious community for the actions of a few radicals?
I honestly can't understand. So, let me remind people of something that I learned when I was a child.....Something that I learned in Sunday School many years ago....I learned that respect and compassion is very important and is a core value of my faith and beliefs. Something else I learned as a child is that one rotten apple can spoil the bunch. It may be a "old saying", but it still shows itself everyday.
When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, people were talking about the looters, the gang members, the "community of sin", and many other "generalist" comments. Why are we always looking to the negative? What would you do in that situation? Why can't we remember all of the people who needed help and couldn't get it? Thankfully, through all the volunteerism and donations that have been provided, we finally show compassion...something that we should have been doing all along.
So, as a step off my soap box once again, I encourage everyone to learn about things outside their own community. I am thankful to have friends and resources that provide me with a multitude of learning opportunites...and I am grateful. I feel that it is important to understand the culture and lives of my friends and neighbors.
So, when it comes to judging a whole community, stop and think before you speak or act...and most of all....EDUCATE YOURSELF!!!
(Once again, to read Charlie's post on this topic, click here.)
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Saturday, September 17, 2005
We've made it two years!!!
My husband and I celebrated our two year anniversary at the end of August. It's hard to believe that we have only been married for two years. It seems that we've been together much longer because I can barely remember what it was like before we were together (not that I want to remember...)
He got me a beautiful clock for our anniversary....it was engraved with the words, All I ever wanted in life, I've found in loving you.... It is also engraved with our names and anniversary date. I cried when he gave it to me. I cried because I feel the same way about him.
His love for me hits me like a ton of bricks sometimes. As we go throughout daily routines, sometimes we take advantage of what we have. But when we get out of the routine and realize what we have, it is overwhelming for me. Men don't always understand women or their emotions and my husband is no exception. There are times when we are together and suddenly, all at once, I realize how much we love each other and how in love we still are. Then, I start to cry..... It doesn't make sense, but it's the only way my mind and body can express it.
I just can't imagine spending one day without him. He's out of town this weekend and I will be sleeping on the couch. I just can't imagine sleeping in the empty bed. (Even though Wrigley would find a way to still push me to the edge and nearly knock me out of bed! haha) I am so used to having him beside me...I just can't do it. Many days since we are so busy, we don't get to spend much time together. But I always know that he will be with me when I go to sleep.
There are times when I want to kick him in the head...as I am sure he'd like to do the same to me on occasion, but when the day is done, we know that we have each other.
I know that it sounds sappy and cliche', but I just don't know what I would do without him. He's solid and so strong, but has a heart of gold. He shows such compassion and he has a wonderful spirit. Yes, he's stubborn and so am I, but we've been able to compromise...
It's so hard to express how much I love him, so I only hope that he knows that when I say, "I love you" that he realizes what I mean.
He got me a beautiful clock for our anniversary....it was engraved with the words, All I ever wanted in life, I've found in loving you.... It is also engraved with our names and anniversary date. I cried when he gave it to me. I cried because I feel the same way about him.
His love for me hits me like a ton of bricks sometimes. As we go throughout daily routines, sometimes we take advantage of what we have. But when we get out of the routine and realize what we have, it is overwhelming for me. Men don't always understand women or their emotions and my husband is no exception. There are times when we are together and suddenly, all at once, I realize how much we love each other and how in love we still are. Then, I start to cry..... It doesn't make sense, but it's the only way my mind and body can express it.
I just can't imagine spending one day without him. He's out of town this weekend and I will be sleeping on the couch. I just can't imagine sleeping in the empty bed. (Even though Wrigley would find a way to still push me to the edge and nearly knock me out of bed! haha) I am so used to having him beside me...I just can't do it. Many days since we are so busy, we don't get to spend much time together. But I always know that he will be with me when I go to sleep.
There are times when I want to kick him in the head...as I am sure he'd like to do the same to me on occasion, but when the day is done, we know that we have each other.
I know that it sounds sappy and cliche', but I just don't know what I would do without him. He's solid and so strong, but has a heart of gold. He shows such compassion and he has a wonderful spirit. Yes, he's stubborn and so am I, but we've been able to compromise...
It's so hard to express how much I love him, so I only hope that he knows that when I say, "I love you" that he realizes what I mean.
The kids are growing up...
I just spent the evening with my family and, as always, I had a great time. Now that I have a place of my own and my own family, I only get to see my family a few times a month. But lately, especially, I have been reminded of how much they mean to me. I don't know where I would be without my family....ALL of my family. I know that I have told you so much about my grandmothers, my aunt, and some other family members. I don't think that I have written much about my brothers. So, I'd like to introduce you to them. This is also a tribute to my family and what they have done for me. (You will read about my family over the next few posts....)
My brothers are all grown up. I guess it is difficult because it also makes me realize my age. But before I can explain the present, I'll need to take you back...... Back to the early 90's....
My dad met my stepmom a while after he and my mother got divorced. In many of these posts, I will refer to my stepmom as "mom" and my biological mom as "mom"...I know that is very confusing, but in this post, the mom that I mention is my stepmom.
Anyway... The first time that I met my stepmom and her three sons was one day when dad had visitation with me. Normally, on a day with dad, we went to the park, to family friends' houses, or to the movies. On this day, it was different. It was the day that I would meet my mom and my brothers. Although, I didn't know it at the time. After we got half way to my dad's girlfriend's house, he told me where we were going and that I would meet his girlfriend and her three sons. I was nervous and a little confused. As most kids are going through a divorce, I couldn't quite comprehend my dad having a girlfriend. Although, on top of the anxiety of "Will they like me??? Will I like them?", I was excited! I was going to have other kids to play with for the day! I was an only child and loved having other kids to play with. So, when I got there, I had a blast playing video games with the boys. The youngest was three years old, the middle one was six (I think), and the oldest was my age (12)...we were only five weeks apart.
Here's a story about my youngest brother....and it's also a story from the first day we met....
"BOO", the youngest, scraped his toe on the heating vent and was in desperate need for a band-aid. (I always told mom that we should have bought stock in Band-aids. I think that my mom kept Kroger's and Johnson & Johnson in business, at least during the 90's. I bet you found out why we called him "BOO" by now??) Mom was out of bandaids that day and I told "BOO" that I would take him over to his grandmother's across the street to get a bandaid. Through his tears and sniffling, he agreed. I was carrying him down the front steps when I missed the last step and fell. Not only did I fall, but I dropped Boo on the sidewalk...on his HEAD!!!! He dusted himself off and asked me if I was okay. Then, began laughing uncontrollably. I was sprawled out on the sidewalk with my ankle turned in an unnatural way. I was crying b/c I had sprained my ankle. Dad came running and was hysterical. Dad had not told my grandmother when he picked me up for visitation that he was taking me to his girlfriend's house and he was concerned that he would not know how to explain how I twisted my ankle. My grandmother is the biggest worry-wort that I have ever met. She would have died...or killed my dad, I'm not sure which. So, BOO forgot all about his toe and went back inside. Dad picked me up and carried me inside. Mom put ice on it and Dad hoped for the best. Within a little while, I was better and was up and about again. Thankfully, we didn't have to feel the wrath of my concerned grandmother. (HA HA)
So, that is the story of the first time that I met my family. One day, after many weekend visits and even after my grandmother met my dad's girlfriend and the boys, my mom and dad told me the great news. I still remember sitting in the car and mom and dad telling me that they are going to get married. I remember asking if I could be there. They told me that they were going to Virginia alone for the weekend. I was still SO excited. They got married two days before my birthday. Getting another mom and three brothers was the best birthday present I have ever received. There were times when I wish that I could have my dad all to myself, but that was when I was young and foolish. I cherish every minute that I get to spend with my mom, dad, and brothers. And now, I realize that my mom has made my dad a better man, husband, and father.
The kids are growing up. Boo is now 17, the middle one is 20, and the oldest is 25. I am the oldest by five weeks. My mom always enjoys explaining our age difference when people ask. She said that it was a really long labor.
She's not kidding. Raising me was definitely work. I was obnoxious and selfish. I was used to having everything my way...I was the only child and only grandchild for a long time. I had to learn the hard way that everything isn't all about me.
I know that there has been MANY times that my mom and dad just wanted to wash their hands of me and give up...but they didn't. They were there when no one else wanted to be. Even at my worst, they still loved me. They may have not liked the way I acted sometimes, but the loved me unconditionally. Two of the greatest memories I have is meeting my mom and brothers and my dad walking me down the eisle at my wedding.
To read more about my family, click here for my next post....
My brothers are all grown up. I guess it is difficult because it also makes me realize my age. But before I can explain the present, I'll need to take you back...... Back to the early 90's....
My dad met my stepmom a while after he and my mother got divorced. In many of these posts, I will refer to my stepmom as "mom" and my biological mom as "mom"...I know that is very confusing, but in this post, the mom that I mention is my stepmom.
Anyway... The first time that I met my stepmom and her three sons was one day when dad had visitation with me. Normally, on a day with dad, we went to the park, to family friends' houses, or to the movies. On this day, it was different. It was the day that I would meet my mom and my brothers. Although, I didn't know it at the time. After we got half way to my dad's girlfriend's house, he told me where we were going and that I would meet his girlfriend and her three sons. I was nervous and a little confused. As most kids are going through a divorce, I couldn't quite comprehend my dad having a girlfriend. Although, on top of the anxiety of "Will they like me??? Will I like them?", I was excited! I was going to have other kids to play with for the day! I was an only child and loved having other kids to play with. So, when I got there, I had a blast playing video games with the boys. The youngest was three years old, the middle one was six (I think), and the oldest was my age (12)...we were only five weeks apart.
Here's a story about my youngest brother....and it's also a story from the first day we met....
"BOO", the youngest, scraped his toe on the heating vent and was in desperate need for a band-aid. (I always told mom that we should have bought stock in Band-aids. I think that my mom kept Kroger's and Johnson & Johnson in business, at least during the 90's. I bet you found out why we called him "BOO" by now??) Mom was out of bandaids that day and I told "BOO" that I would take him over to his grandmother's across the street to get a bandaid. Through his tears and sniffling, he agreed. I was carrying him down the front steps when I missed the last step and fell. Not only did I fall, but I dropped Boo on the sidewalk...on his HEAD!!!! He dusted himself off and asked me if I was okay. Then, began laughing uncontrollably. I was sprawled out on the sidewalk with my ankle turned in an unnatural way. I was crying b/c I had sprained my ankle. Dad came running and was hysterical. Dad had not told my grandmother when he picked me up for visitation that he was taking me to his girlfriend's house and he was concerned that he would not know how to explain how I twisted my ankle. My grandmother is the biggest worry-wort that I have ever met. She would have died...or killed my dad, I'm not sure which. So, BOO forgot all about his toe and went back inside. Dad picked me up and carried me inside. Mom put ice on it and Dad hoped for the best. Within a little while, I was better and was up and about again. Thankfully, we didn't have to feel the wrath of my concerned grandmother. (HA HA)
So, that is the story of the first time that I met my family. One day, after many weekend visits and even after my grandmother met my dad's girlfriend and the boys, my mom and dad told me the great news. I still remember sitting in the car and mom and dad telling me that they are going to get married. I remember asking if I could be there. They told me that they were going to Virginia alone for the weekend. I was still SO excited. They got married two days before my birthday. Getting another mom and three brothers was the best birthday present I have ever received. There were times when I wish that I could have my dad all to myself, but that was when I was young and foolish. I cherish every minute that I get to spend with my mom, dad, and brothers. And now, I realize that my mom has made my dad a better man, husband, and father.
The kids are growing up. Boo is now 17, the middle one is 20, and the oldest is 25. I am the oldest by five weeks. My mom always enjoys explaining our age difference when people ask. She said that it was a really long labor.
She's not kidding. Raising me was definitely work. I was obnoxious and selfish. I was used to having everything my way...I was the only child and only grandchild for a long time. I had to learn the hard way that everything isn't all about me.
I know that there has been MANY times that my mom and dad just wanted to wash their hands of me and give up...but they didn't. They were there when no one else wanted to be. Even at my worst, they still loved me. They may have not liked the way I acted sometimes, but the loved me unconditionally. Two of the greatest memories I have is meeting my mom and brothers and my dad walking me down the eisle at my wedding.
To read more about my family, click here for my next post....
To my Mom and Dad.....
My stepmother has been a very large influence in my life. She is one of the many wonderful women in my life. TALK ABOUT STRENGTH! One of my wishes/greatest desires is to be as strong as she is. She has raised three children...okay make that three and a half (she had me through the tough teen years)...And for a part of her motherhood, she was a single mom. She has always made sure that our basic needs were met and MORE!!! She never let me give up...and she never gave up on me! I thought she was tough on me many times, but now that I am older, I understand that it was her way of making me learn and be independent. She made me realize that I COULD stand on my own two feet....I COULD get a college degree AND a good job...and that I COULD make it on my own! I did it all through her love, support, guidance, and honesty. She has done so much for me....She was my study buddy in college, my teacher, my friend, my mentor, and most of all, an ear and a shoulder. I will never be able to thank her for all the things that she did. She let me live, but prevented me from bringing harm to myself, has let me learn and still act stupid on occasion, and I don't know how I'll ever thank or repay her.
To my dad.... Thank you for the advice, love, and great conversations. You've been so good to me and I will always be your little girl. Thank you for being honest and loving. Because of you, fried bologna and chocolate milk is a meal that I enjoy and a time with you that I will never forget. As I get older, I realize why I loved watching Mighty Mouse with you. I know that I always thought that the theme song was about you. I always knew that you'd be there when I needed you....("....Here I come to save the day!")
I'm grown up. I'm a married woman. But you know what??? Sometimes, I realize that I'm just a young insecure girl (that akward kid in school) stuck in a woman's body....still lost and trying to find my way. The only thing that helps is that I know that I have so many people in my life that love me and will help me find my way.
I am truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends in my life. I just hope that they know how much they mean to me. Every person I meet shapes my life and without the relationships that I have made over the years, I am nothing.
To my dad.... Thank you for the advice, love, and great conversations. You've been so good to me and I will always be your little girl. Thank you for being honest and loving. Because of you, fried bologna and chocolate milk is a meal that I enjoy and a time with you that I will never forget. As I get older, I realize why I loved watching Mighty Mouse with you. I know that I always thought that the theme song was about you. I always knew that you'd be there when I needed you....("....Here I come to save the day!")
I'm grown up. I'm a married woman. But you know what??? Sometimes, I realize that I'm just a young insecure girl (that akward kid in school) stuck in a woman's body....still lost and trying to find my way. The only thing that helps is that I know that I have so many people in my life that love me and will help me find my way.
I am truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends in my life. I just hope that they know how much they mean to me. Every person I meet shapes my life and without the relationships that I have made over the years, I am nothing.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
EEEKKKK!!!! I've become a coffee drinker!
I have to admit, I've never really been a coffee drinker. The only times I can recall really enjoying coffee is when I was a kid. I would sneak a sip of my grandmother's cold coffee (which was mostly cream) while she was cleaning house.
I have always been a hot tea drinker. Dark English Breakfast tea with Sweet-n-Low and a little evaporated milk. There's nothing better than that with a piece of my Aunt's homemade shortbread.
One day....many weeks ago...while at a meeting with a friend/colleague/mentor and all around great guy, I was introduced into the world of coffee. That was all it took. I kept saying to him, "I don't like coffee." He suggested Chai Tea as an alternative. I replied that I had tried it and didn't care for it.) So, he suggested the Milky Way Blast at Taylor Books. When the Taylor Book staff member described it, I got a mental image of a milkshake with a hint of coffee. (I know, how dumb??) I wasn't disappointed, though. It is a frozen delight with milk, espresso, and caramel and chocolate syrups. As the great Rachel Ray says, "YUMM-O!!!!" That day, I was hooked!
I work in St. Albans, but days that I am anywhere near downtown, I give the City of Charleston some meter money and visit Taylor Books for a Milky Way Blast. Since the first day of being a coffee drinker, I have tried a few at Starbucks and one at Capitol Roasters. (The German Chocolate one is great at Roasters!)
One of the drinks that I tried at Starbucks was not great. It was a frozen drink (like Taylor's Blast) but it had chocolate syrup and mint chips. It was not that great and for the price, it REALLY wasn't that great. I'll stick to my Taylor drink, thank you!
Then, this morning....I went to the United Way Day of Caring event in Charleston and I stopped at Starbucks at the mall (only because I was already parked at the Civic Center...otherwise, I would have went to Taylor!) So, anyways...I got a Caramel Macchiato. I wanted something warm for a change. OKAY YUM again! Actually something from Starbucks that is worth "wow-ing" over. My friend got a Pumpkin iced thing and it was good too.
So, while Starbucks has a few things worth trying, I'll stick to the local Taylor Books. The people are great and the coffee is great too!
So, a special thanks to the wonderful (and local) Taylor Books who has some great stuff! (and my friend who suggested giving coffee another try!)
I have always been a hot tea drinker. Dark English Breakfast tea with Sweet-n-Low and a little evaporated milk. There's nothing better than that with a piece of my Aunt's homemade shortbread.
One day....many weeks ago...while at a meeting with a friend/colleague/mentor and all around great guy, I was introduced into the world of coffee. That was all it took. I kept saying to him, "I don't like coffee." He suggested Chai Tea as an alternative. I replied that I had tried it and didn't care for it.) So, he suggested the Milky Way Blast at Taylor Books. When the Taylor Book staff member described it, I got a mental image of a milkshake with a hint of coffee. (I know, how dumb??) I wasn't disappointed, though. It is a frozen delight with milk, espresso, and caramel and chocolate syrups. As the great Rachel Ray says, "YUMM-O!!!!" That day, I was hooked!
I work in St. Albans, but days that I am anywhere near downtown, I give the City of Charleston some meter money and visit Taylor Books for a Milky Way Blast. Since the first day of being a coffee drinker, I have tried a few at Starbucks and one at Capitol Roasters. (The German Chocolate one is great at Roasters!)
One of the drinks that I tried at Starbucks was not great. It was a frozen drink (like Taylor's Blast) but it had chocolate syrup and mint chips. It was not that great and for the price, it REALLY wasn't that great. I'll stick to my Taylor drink, thank you!
Then, this morning....I went to the United Way Day of Caring event in Charleston and I stopped at Starbucks at the mall (only because I was already parked at the Civic Center...otherwise, I would have went to Taylor!) So, anyways...I got a Caramel Macchiato. I wanted something warm for a change. OKAY YUM again! Actually something from Starbucks that is worth "wow-ing" over. My friend got a Pumpkin iced thing and it was good too.
So, while Starbucks has a few things worth trying, I'll stick to the local Taylor Books. The people are great and the coffee is great too!
So, a special thanks to the wonderful (and local) Taylor Books who has some great stuff! (and my friend who suggested giving coffee another try!)
World Music Awards...
I received a phone call last night from a good friend instructing me to turn the tv to the World Music Awards. I had been watching the season premiere of HOUSE and then the news. I didn't realize that the WMA's were on, but I flipped off the news to the WMA's, as instructed. (After all, I tend to be an "award show" junkie.)
As I turned it to the channel, I realized why my friend had called me. Destiny's Child was being serenaded by Babyface and Usher. Men who only need to be refered to by first name. :)
Extreme talent was present as well as dashing good looks. :)
I was pleased with what I saw of the performance (which was only the last 45 seconds, unfortunately). However, I was a little surprised after the performance was over.
They honored Destiny's Child with a WMA as "Best Female Group of All Time". I LOVE Destiny's Child, don't get me wrong, but best female group of ALL TIME???? What about Diana Ross and the Supremes...What about the other wonderful girl groups of the past????? Influence from the outstanding girls groups of the past have surely inspired these women in their music as I am sure that DC will inspire groups of the future. I don't doubt that they are one of the best groups of all time, but to honor them as "Best Female Group of All Time" is a little much. Maybe they have had more album sales than groups from the past, I'm not sure. I was happy for them (especially since they are continuing their solo careers and the DC group is no longer). I just thought that maybe there might have been a few more candidates that they should have considered.
I am a firm believer that the music of today is because of yesterday's music.
I don't believe that we would have the talented John Mayer if other wonderful guitarists and musical poets like James Taylor and Eric Clapton had not gone before him. Britney and other "pop divas" would not be here without Madonna and other female pop artists paving the way.
So, I guess my final comment is that while I think that Destiny's Child deserves an award for being an AWESOME female group, I just don't know if they deserve being titled "the best of all time." Just as if Beyonce' was up for an outstanding female artist award, I would be pleased, but if they refered to her as "best of all time", I'm sure many people would be scratching their head wondering why Aretha, Diana, Patti and many others weren't considered.
As I turned it to the channel, I realized why my friend had called me. Destiny's Child was being serenaded by Babyface and Usher. Men who only need to be refered to by first name. :)
Extreme talent was present as well as dashing good looks. :)
I was pleased with what I saw of the performance (which was only the last 45 seconds, unfortunately). However, I was a little surprised after the performance was over.
They honored Destiny's Child with a WMA as "Best Female Group of All Time". I LOVE Destiny's Child, don't get me wrong, but best female group of ALL TIME???? What about Diana Ross and the Supremes...What about the other wonderful girl groups of the past????? Influence from the outstanding girls groups of the past have surely inspired these women in their music as I am sure that DC will inspire groups of the future. I don't doubt that they are one of the best groups of all time, but to honor them as "Best Female Group of All Time" is a little much. Maybe they have had more album sales than groups from the past, I'm not sure. I was happy for them (especially since they are continuing their solo careers and the DC group is no longer). I just thought that maybe there might have been a few more candidates that they should have considered.
I am a firm believer that the music of today is because of yesterday's music.
I don't believe that we would have the talented John Mayer if other wonderful guitarists and musical poets like James Taylor and Eric Clapton had not gone before him. Britney and other "pop divas" would not be here without Madonna and other female pop artists paving the way.
So, I guess my final comment is that while I think that Destiny's Child deserves an award for being an AWESOME female group, I just don't know if they deserve being titled "the best of all time." Just as if Beyonce' was up for an outstanding female artist award, I would be pleased, but if they refered to her as "best of all time", I'm sure many people would be scratching their head wondering why Aretha, Diana, Patti and many others weren't considered.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Music takes me places....
As I have said before, I am a huge fan of music. I have an eclectic collection, from rap to classical and everything in between.
Today, I stopped by the library and picked up a few CDs. I picked up a 50's collection CD. I skimmed through the track list and decided to get it. I have to admit, I didn't look closely at the track list because I have ALWAYS loved 50's music, so it didn't really matter what songs were on the CD.
I was ESPECIALLY pleased when I popped the CD into my car stereo and heard "Come Go with Me" by the Dell-Vikings. (I had to look at the CD case to give you the artist because I was not familiar the group.) However, I am VERY familiar with the song. This song takes me back to the young age of 9, when I took dance lessons. I took ballet, jazz, and modern dance from an instructor in Oak Hill. We did "Come Go With Me" and "Wooly Booley" (spelling?) for two of our "pop/oldies" numbers in our recital. I don't recall the other numbers we did, but every time that I hear "Come Go With Me", it takes me back immediately. (I can still remember part of the routine...sad, I know!)
As I drove home listening to the song, I realized that I was smiling ear to ear...uncontrollably. It was a feeling that I doubt could have been dampered by any force. I was remembering fond memories of my childhood. How lucky I was....How lucky I still am!
So, as I continued to think good thoughts on the way home, I realized that in the scheme of things...in the events throughout our lives, it's the little things that matter. It's the wonderful songs that remind you of childhood play time and childhood dreams. It's the homemade ice cream on a summer day...or warm soup on a winter day. It's the friend who will pray with you and hold your hand during a tough time. It's the thoughfulness of a gift. (Not neccessarily the gift itself, but its meaning or reason.) It's the little things that matter.
As you know, I am not a mother (unless you count my little one, Wrigley), but as advice to parents (and advice that I will use myself when I become a parent)....it's the LITTLE THINGS.
It's the times that you teach your child to ride a bike....They keep falling down (or wrecking, in my case) and you try and try again. And then celebrate with them when they are able to ride on their own.
It's the fried bologna sandwiches and chocolate milk on a Saturday morning....A perfect breakfast for watching cartoons with dad.
You get the point. I hear so often to not sweat the small stuff....I do, however. To me, the "small stuff" IS the "big stuff". The small stuff is what we are made of. It's the stories of our lives - the memories - that we carry with us.
Maybe since I am a "detail-oriented" person, this is important to me. But I am sure that we all have a place in our heart for the little things.
It's nice to tap into those wonderful memories. Every time that I think about the small puzzle pieces that have shaped my life, I smile. So, if you think about the happy little things that you've had in your life, I guarantee that you'll have a grin from ear to ear, just as I do now.
May God bless you with the small things and may you praise him for those blessings.
Today, I stopped by the library and picked up a few CDs. I picked up a 50's collection CD. I skimmed through the track list and decided to get it. I have to admit, I didn't look closely at the track list because I have ALWAYS loved 50's music, so it didn't really matter what songs were on the CD.
I was ESPECIALLY pleased when I popped the CD into my car stereo and heard "Come Go with Me" by the Dell-Vikings. (I had to look at the CD case to give you the artist because I was not familiar the group.) However, I am VERY familiar with the song. This song takes me back to the young age of 9, when I took dance lessons. I took ballet, jazz, and modern dance from an instructor in Oak Hill. We did "Come Go With Me" and "Wooly Booley" (spelling?) for two of our "pop/oldies" numbers in our recital. I don't recall the other numbers we did, but every time that I hear "Come Go With Me", it takes me back immediately. (I can still remember part of the routine...sad, I know!)
As I drove home listening to the song, I realized that I was smiling ear to ear...uncontrollably. It was a feeling that I doubt could have been dampered by any force. I was remembering fond memories of my childhood. How lucky I was....How lucky I still am!
So, as I continued to think good thoughts on the way home, I realized that in the scheme of things...in the events throughout our lives, it's the little things that matter. It's the wonderful songs that remind you of childhood play time and childhood dreams. It's the homemade ice cream on a summer day...or warm soup on a winter day. It's the friend who will pray with you and hold your hand during a tough time. It's the thoughfulness of a gift. (Not neccessarily the gift itself, but its meaning or reason.) It's the little things that matter.
As you know, I am not a mother (unless you count my little one, Wrigley), but as advice to parents (and advice that I will use myself when I become a parent)....it's the LITTLE THINGS.
It's the times that you teach your child to ride a bike....They keep falling down (or wrecking, in my case) and you try and try again. And then celebrate with them when they are able to ride on their own.
It's the fried bologna sandwiches and chocolate milk on a Saturday morning....A perfect breakfast for watching cartoons with dad.
You get the point. I hear so often to not sweat the small stuff....I do, however. To me, the "small stuff" IS the "big stuff". The small stuff is what we are made of. It's the stories of our lives - the memories - that we carry with us.
Maybe since I am a "detail-oriented" person, this is important to me. But I am sure that we all have a place in our heart for the little things.
It's nice to tap into those wonderful memories. Every time that I think about the small puzzle pieces that have shaped my life, I smile. So, if you think about the happy little things that you've had in your life, I guarantee that you'll have a grin from ear to ear, just as I do now.
May God bless you with the small things and may you praise him for those blessings.
Monday, September 05, 2005
What a weekend!!!
Okay, so long story short...I had an INTERESTING weekend.
First, I went to a MLB game with my husband and the family of a woman that he works with. It was fun. Of course, since my husband is a HUGE Cubs fan, we watched the Cubs play the Pirates. There was a "interesting" part of the trip. We got lost in Pittsburgh. Actually, it was in between Greentree and Pittsburgh. First, we got a little lost when we were at Station Square (I think that is what it is called.), then we tried to find something to eat and drove around for over an hour. We ended up going back to the hotel, still hungry....We finally ended up eating at Taco Bell before midnight. We went to the game and had a blast (I'll post the pictures tomorrow.) It was my first MLB game and that's all it took to get me hooked. It's MUCH better in person than on TV.
Before the game started, Anthony's mom called us and said that there had been a contractor out cutting down a neighbor's tree since dawn that morning. Of course, our little one was barking all day at the contractors outside. Later in the day, we got another call from Anthony's mom. This time, the contractor wanted to talk to him. He got on the phone and told Anthony that they had torn down a brick flower pot/landscaping box near our parking spots. When we got home, we realized that they had demolished the brick construction, got saw dust all over our other car (the one that is BRAND NEW!), even though they asked Anthony's mom moved it 5 times upon their request. Our next door neighbor was out of town, but he left his truck here. They did more than just cover his truck with sawdust. His truck is scratched. I'm sure he won't be happy about that.
Anthony called the contractor on Saturday night when we got home. They came yesterday to clean up all the dirt and the bricks from their demolition. They are supposed to come this week to rebuild it for us.
Also, we found out on Saturday night from another neighbor that she tried to get the information from the contractor (so that we could contact them if any other problems arose), and it took five requests to get the information from the contractors. They didn't give her a business card, but just their name and phone #. No company name was on the work truck, nor was their any other form of ID, just the information that the man gave our neighbor.
I'm not too worried since they have already cleaned up our yard and will (hopefully) be back soon to rebuild it. However, I am a little upset b/c the contractors or neighbors failed to inform us about this before they had it done. Since it blocked our street for nearly 8 hours and no vehicles could get in or out, it posed a problem. My father-in-law is chronically ill and could need emergency medical attention at any given time. There is an elderly gentleman on our street as well.
Also, if my in-laws hadn't been here, heaven only knows what would have happened to our yard or our new car since we were out of town. The residents on our street could have moved our vehicles down the street (off the hill) if we would have known prior to the work being done. I feel that we should have been notified (by someone) before Saturday.
The lesson learned....I will notify my neighbors of any work that is being done at my home that would affect them in any way. I would expect my neighbors to do the same.
First, I went to a MLB game with my husband and the family of a woman that he works with. It was fun. Of course, since my husband is a HUGE Cubs fan, we watched the Cubs play the Pirates. There was a "interesting" part of the trip. We got lost in Pittsburgh. Actually, it was in between Greentree and Pittsburgh. First, we got a little lost when we were at Station Square (I think that is what it is called.), then we tried to find something to eat and drove around for over an hour. We ended up going back to the hotel, still hungry....We finally ended up eating at Taco Bell before midnight. We went to the game and had a blast (I'll post the pictures tomorrow.) It was my first MLB game and that's all it took to get me hooked. It's MUCH better in person than on TV.
Before the game started, Anthony's mom called us and said that there had been a contractor out cutting down a neighbor's tree since dawn that morning. Of course, our little one was barking all day at the contractors outside. Later in the day, we got another call from Anthony's mom. This time, the contractor wanted to talk to him. He got on the phone and told Anthony that they had torn down a brick flower pot/landscaping box near our parking spots. When we got home, we realized that they had demolished the brick construction, got saw dust all over our other car (the one that is BRAND NEW!), even though they asked Anthony's mom moved it 5 times upon their request. Our next door neighbor was out of town, but he left his truck here. They did more than just cover his truck with sawdust. His truck is scratched. I'm sure he won't be happy about that.
Anthony called the contractor on Saturday night when we got home. They came yesterday to clean up all the dirt and the bricks from their demolition. They are supposed to come this week to rebuild it for us.
Also, we found out on Saturday night from another neighbor that she tried to get the information from the contractor (so that we could contact them if any other problems arose), and it took five requests to get the information from the contractors. They didn't give her a business card, but just their name and phone #. No company name was on the work truck, nor was their any other form of ID, just the information that the man gave our neighbor.
I'm not too worried since they have already cleaned up our yard and will (hopefully) be back soon to rebuild it. However, I am a little upset b/c the contractors or neighbors failed to inform us about this before they had it done. Since it blocked our street for nearly 8 hours and no vehicles could get in or out, it posed a problem. My father-in-law is chronically ill and could need emergency medical attention at any given time. There is an elderly gentleman on our street as well.
Also, if my in-laws hadn't been here, heaven only knows what would have happened to our yard or our new car since we were out of town. The residents on our street could have moved our vehicles down the street (off the hill) if we would have known prior to the work being done. I feel that we should have been notified (by someone) before Saturday.
The lesson learned....I will notify my neighbors of any work that is being done at my home that would affect them in any way. I would expect my neighbors to do the same.
CNN was prepared...the FEDs were NOT!
As I (along with the rest of the world) continue to watch coverage of Hurricane Katrina, I have come to a concerning realization. The media (CNN, ABC, MSNBC, etc.) were more prepared than our government in this terrible disaster. It saddens me that our tv crews can get in, but food and supplies can not. There was no plan for security in case of a disaster like this. We have really let the people down. I commend the media for covering the events and bringing us the stories of the victims. Maybe we should look to them, since they were the only ones prepared, to help us prepare in case of another natural disaster.
The lack of preparation and security plans has caused the area to become lawless and dangerous for the victims as well as the relief workers.
I am not blaming one person...I am not blaming our President or any other Federal Official. I just think that the government (as a whole) failed the communities who were affected by this tragedy.
Some friends of mine always say, "Don't complain without having a suggested solution." So, I don't know much about disaster preparedness, but I will say this....The government and the citizens need to do what they can to help with the relief efforts now and help (do their best) to prepare for the future. There should be security plans in place to protect the relief workers and citizens.
I know that is not much of a solution or plan, but it's all I have. I just feel awful that we let our fellow Americans down.
A final thought regarding this tragedy....."I pray for the families affected by this tragedy and I pray (and hope) that it never happens to a family again."
The lack of preparation and security plans has caused the area to become lawless and dangerous for the victims as well as the relief workers.
I am not blaming one person...I am not blaming our President or any other Federal Official. I just think that the government (as a whole) failed the communities who were affected by this tragedy.
Some friends of mine always say, "Don't complain without having a suggested solution." So, I don't know much about disaster preparedness, but I will say this....The government and the citizens need to do what they can to help with the relief efforts now and help (do their best) to prepare for the future. There should be security plans in place to protect the relief workers and citizens.
I know that is not much of a solution or plan, but it's all I have. I just feel awful that we let our fellow Americans down.
A final thought regarding this tragedy....."I pray for the families affected by this tragedy and I pray (and hope) that it never happens to a family again."
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