At least I made it into the library. I think Hubs realized I needed a break. From home, from the detox that's taking place with no computer at home, from work, from little people....aaahhhh. Now if only the little pre-teen boys would be quiet behind me.
1. Shout out to Michelle - you look FABULOUS 25 weeks pregnant! Don't let baby belly tell you otherwise. It's beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeautiful.
2. Blogging at the library, with time limits on the computers really, really stinks. There's a little clock up in the corner that keeps tick....tick...ticking...at me. GO AWAY!
3. Evelyn already likes to wrestle. I cannot figure out how all of our kids seem to be hopped up on goofballs from the word go. I like it...don't get me wrong...but I'm so TIRED. Can I keep up? I dunno.
4. I just turned around and saw the pre-teen boys. I knew one of them as a friend of Till's from elementary school. I said hello and reminded him of who I was. It didn't stop him from talking too loudly. Time to pull out the mom voice, I think.
5. OJ turns 3 in a couple of weeks. I started this blog when he was just.....4 months old? 7 months old? Something like that. Now he's a walking, talking monster who still plays with his curls when he's sleepy.
6. I just remembered the other day that our anniversary is coming up March 31st. It's weird to think back on that day and how whirlwind the weeks were, leading up to it, and to have that day just slip by now...year after year.
7. And we timed it poorly, I might add. It falls directly between my parents' birthdays. My siblings and I always want to try and do something for them on their birthdays, but with March Madness, first quarter of the financial industry, school, spring breaks, and our anniversary, their birthdays float by as well.
8. To add another thing to that list this year, we had our Granny's 90th birthday to celebrate. My dad is one of 9 children, and all 9 children made it in for the big celebration, along with many cousins.
9. We went out to dinner Saturday night and had an Italian feast, literally, at a buffet/cafeteria style restaurant. It went perfectly minus TO's vomit session that included a standing splatter right behind the hostess podium, right before the hallway to the restroom, and again right before the door to the men's room. He felt MUCH better after that, I assure you.
10. Irony or divine timing? You decide. The Wednesday after publishing my religion entry, our neighbor came for a visit. This is the son of the elderly gentleman that Hubs has befriended. The son is just a few years younger than us, so you'd think Hubs would have befriended HIM, but he prefers interacting with the elders. Maybe something to do with being raised by his great-grandparents. Anyhow....the son and his father are practicing Jehovah's Witnesses, and Hubs has had several "life" discussions with them that don't even necessarily revolve around their faith, but their faith is indeed what revolves their life. Hubs has admired their strong sense of family, their characters, their personas. Which, I agree, are comforting and easy to engage. Hubs initiated the 'sidewalk' conversations and the son readily suggested coming over for some follow-up discussion. The son is actually a practicing minister. And without speaking a word about their direct beliefs, has been over twice now for enlightening, boisterous, and thoughtful discussion about life, God, and understanding life through the Bible's teachings. He's also left us with some interesting reading material that is short, and to the point, but directs you to passages in the Bible for complete reading. It's been a terrific couple of Wednesdays, and I look forward to him returning.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
No Funny Faces
sorry. my computer at home ate a virus and is seriously bugging out. as in I can't do anything with or on it.
my best girlfriend's techy husband is out of town for nearly a month, so he can't look at it until he returns. boo.
I am going to try and hit up the library a few times over the next weeks, but I'll be gone from here. a lot. those who can email me at work, please do. I'm lonely.
my best girlfriend's techy husband is out of town for nearly a month, so he can't look at it until he returns. boo.
I am going to try and hit up the library a few times over the next weeks, but I'll be gone from here. a lot. those who can email me at work, please do. I'm lonely.
Happy Friday despite and.....
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK tonight!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday Mumbles: Evening Edition
It's the late night edition of Mumbles. I had scheduled Turner's Funny Faces to post early Sunday, but the "scheduled posting" didn't work properly (it's about 50/50 for me...and you??) so it didn't go up until later Sunday evening. So the Mumbles got pushed back to give TO his proper respect.
1. My sister Leslie tipped me off to an interesting quote about impossibility:
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."
(Muhammad Ali)
2. Just to clarify, anyone who thinks that nothing is impossible haven't met my co-workers. Just sayin'.....(on the real though, I loved this quote. I love inspiration and focus and possibility.)
3. This same sister is an interesting character, and for lack of a better cliche, marches to the beat of her own drum. I'm fairly certain she'd describe herself as normal, but I don't know many 25 year old women (girls, still, to me) whose idea of a good social time includes frequent trips to the local university's performance and entertainment center. With her aunts. Or her brother-in-law. Or by herself.
4. The list of shows she's seen include:
a. Neil Berg's 100 years of Broadway
b. "Fiddler on the Roof"
c. Black Violin (picture classical meets hip hop.......on violin)
d. "Bus Stop" (play by a native Kansan)
e. Garrison Keillor (NPR story-teller)
f. coming up in April.....Jay Unger and Molly Mason (musical stylings of Civil War era music)
5. Speaking of plays and musically talented individuals, I drove by my old junior high this weekend, which is no longer a school at all. It's nothing. So sad. BUT, across the street was our music building, for both choir and band. I had a sudden urge to call my childhood friends and apologize for having to sit next to me during choir. I couldn't sing then and I can't sing now, but I sang out loud anyhow so I could get my A. Sorry, Tracy!
6. TO had spring break last week. He spent the first couple of days here at home, and then he spent Wednesday through Sunday down with my dad or my grandma and aunt. When I finally got to see him Sunday, he STILL didn't want to go home with me. I was sad.
7. Don't get me wrong, I was HAPPY that our family is that close and he enjoyed all of them and my cousin's boys so much. But it stung a little, and I made the mistake of telling him it made me sad. I laughed when I said it of course, but sensitive TO waited ALL DAY to cry at bedtime, telling me he felt bad that it made me sad. He's adorable, even if he's a cry baby. Love that kid.
8. Evie is going from sitting to a free standing position without the use of props, furniture, or toys to boost her up. Not yet ten months old and she thinks she's ready to walk.
9. It hit 80 degrees both yesterday and today. I looooooooooooooooooove it. Sooooooooooo happy. SO SO Happy.
10. Finale - My Jayhawks are ready to Rock Chalk to the Sweet Sixteen!! If you don't know what I'm talking about, try googling "NCAA basketball and March Madness" or "best thing in sports, ever" OR, better yet, "why am I so out of the loop".
1. My sister Leslie tipped me off to an interesting quote about impossibility:
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."
(Muhammad Ali)
2. Just to clarify, anyone who thinks that nothing is impossible haven't met my co-workers. Just sayin'.....(on the real though, I loved this quote. I love inspiration and focus and possibility.)
3. This same sister is an interesting character, and for lack of a better cliche, marches to the beat of her own drum. I'm fairly certain she'd describe herself as normal, but I don't know many 25 year old women (girls, still, to me) whose idea of a good social time includes frequent trips to the local university's performance and entertainment center. With her aunts. Or her brother-in-law. Or by herself.
4. The list of shows she's seen include:
a. Neil Berg's 100 years of Broadway
b. "Fiddler on the Roof"
c. Black Violin (picture classical meets hip hop.......on violin)
d. "Bus Stop" (play by a native Kansan)
e. Garrison Keillor (NPR story-teller)
f. coming up in April.....Jay Unger and Molly Mason (musical stylings of Civil War era music)
5. Speaking of plays and musically talented individuals, I drove by my old junior high this weekend, which is no longer a school at all. It's nothing. So sad. BUT, across the street was our music building, for both choir and band. I had a sudden urge to call my childhood friends and apologize for having to sit next to me during choir. I couldn't sing then and I can't sing now, but I sang out loud anyhow so I could get my A. Sorry, Tracy!
6. TO had spring break last week. He spent the first couple of days here at home, and then he spent Wednesday through Sunday down with my dad or my grandma and aunt. When I finally got to see him Sunday, he STILL didn't want to go home with me. I was sad.
7. Don't get me wrong, I was HAPPY that our family is that close and he enjoyed all of them and my cousin's boys so much. But it stung a little, and I made the mistake of telling him it made me sad. I laughed when I said it of course, but sensitive TO waited ALL DAY to cry at bedtime, telling me he felt bad that it made me sad. He's adorable, even if he's a cry baby. Love that kid.
8. Evie is going from sitting to a free standing position without the use of props, furniture, or toys to boost her up. Not yet ten months old and she thinks she's ready to walk.
9. It hit 80 degrees both yesterday and today. I looooooooooooooooooove it. Sooooooooooo happy. SO SO Happy.
10. Finale - My Jayhawks are ready to Rock Chalk to the Sweet Sixteen!! If you don't know what I'm talking about, try googling "NCAA basketball and March Madness" or "best thing in sports, ever" OR, better yet, "why am I so out of the loop".
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Funny Faces Shuffles into Sunday
And here's my "baby".
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| Touchdown celebration |
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| This is the igniting of the dynamite after scoring a touchdown.... |
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| ....and this is the result of the blow up!! |
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| More touchdown celebrations. |
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Funny Faces Friday
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday Mumbles
This isn't just another Monday. No sirree bob. It's THE Monday. The first Monday of the NCAA tournament. The day before it all kicks off, before brackets get busted, the day hope lives greater than any other day of the college basketball season. Aahhh, to be a fan.
1. Thanks Mom, for the weekend. For the food, keeping an eye on the kids, the food, helping me make Anna's graduation invites (yes, yes...Anna helped too), the bathtub the kids cleaned up in, the massage on my neck and shoulders. They still hurt, by the way. I need another one.
2. A belated thank you to my brother Jimmy for watching OJ when he was sick a week ago Friday. We appreciate you driving up here to be with him. You and the girls are always so helpful and we are grateful.
3. Is anyone else tired?
4. For those uninterested in basketball, I have no words. This is THE best time in all the world. March Madness, 64 teams (I exclude the 4 teams that get to play into the final 4 spots...I'm not adjusting to that change yet)....6 games....1 champion. And what's so great for me? Every single year, my team is a legitimate contender. Every.single.year. It's wonderful being a Jayhawk.
5. After OJ had the flu last week, he developed an ear infection. I am through treating his ear infections with amoxicillin or any other antibiotic. We will treat his pain with over the counter relief, and wait it out. 80% clear up on their own, and so will his. The one he was diagnosed with Tuesday night? Clear. He's good to go!
6. I know we mention Evelyn's hair around here. A lot. But for as pretty as it is, no mom should have to worry about anything other than keeping a wet, wiggly baby upright in the bathtub. Not only do I have to ensure she doesn't tumble over, I have to try and scrub those long curly locks and get tangles out. It's truly tasking.
7. I love my Hondas. Anyone see the Honda commercials with the "really big" buttons? Makes me laugh. Except for the hair. Ewww.
8. Another winter storm in our area. It makes me sick. Literally.
9. I know this might sound bizarre, but when I see those little Smart cars, I want to run up to them and kick them over. Or at least see if I can karate kick them over onto their side. Is that the SUV driver in me? Maybe.
10. *YAWN* I'll be fighting to get through this day, this winter weather, so that we can move onto more important things. St. Patrick's Day, basketball, another weekend.
1. Thanks Mom, for the weekend. For the food, keeping an eye on the kids, the food, helping me make Anna's graduation invites (yes, yes...Anna helped too), the bathtub the kids cleaned up in, the massage on my neck and shoulders. They still hurt, by the way. I need another one.
2. A belated thank you to my brother Jimmy for watching OJ when he was sick a week ago Friday. We appreciate you driving up here to be with him. You and the girls are always so helpful and we are grateful.
3. Is anyone else tired?
4. For those uninterested in basketball, I have no words. This is THE best time in all the world. March Madness, 64 teams (I exclude the 4 teams that get to play into the final 4 spots...I'm not adjusting to that change yet)....6 games....1 champion. And what's so great for me? Every single year, my team is a legitimate contender. Every.single.year. It's wonderful being a Jayhawk.
5. After OJ had the flu last week, he developed an ear infection. I am through treating his ear infections with amoxicillin or any other antibiotic. We will treat his pain with over the counter relief, and wait it out. 80% clear up on their own, and so will his. The one he was diagnosed with Tuesday night? Clear. He's good to go!
6. I know we mention Evelyn's hair around here. A lot. But for as pretty as it is, no mom should have to worry about anything other than keeping a wet, wiggly baby upright in the bathtub. Not only do I have to ensure she doesn't tumble over, I have to try and scrub those long curly locks and get tangles out. It's truly tasking.
7. I love my Hondas. Anyone see the Honda commercials with the "really big" buttons? Makes me laugh. Except for the hair. Ewww.
8. Another winter storm in our area. It makes me sick. Literally.
9. I know this might sound bizarre, but when I see those little Smart cars, I want to run up to them and kick them over. Or at least see if I can karate kick them over onto their side. Is that the SUV driver in me? Maybe.
10. *YAWN* I'll be fighting to get through this day, this winter weather, so that we can move onto more important things. St. Patrick's Day, basketball, another weekend.
Enjoy your Monday!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Funny Faces Friday
Anyone else need some lighthearted fun to get their weekend started?? Me too! Of course, if all else fails...we've got basketball. LOTS of basketball coming up!
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| Owen was all too happy to be silly again at his Grandpa's house. A football in the hood did the trick. |
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| And he loves this bag of toys. I'm fairly certain my dad gathered these toys from behind random washers and dryers that he fixes in people's homes. Or maybe from kiddie meals...that's really all my dad requires when he eats. |
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| Sissy is a really good hair customer, most times. So long as she has her own comb to chew on that is. |
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| And I've gotten really quick at parting and pulling and wrapping the bands. |
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| She's getting too big, too fast. |
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| Here's Turner at our Bulls basketball party. The gal on the right was my assistant coach, Sally. We had so much fun. I'm glad that I signed up to do it!! You were GREAT your first year, TO! |
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Reaching Out: Religion
I struggle with religion.
I don't think this is an unknown fact here. I don't think it's uncommon generally. I do think it's easy to push to the side, gloss over, and forget about for awhile.
And the hardest part? Just when I think I'm making head-way on my path, I am slammed backward by an offhand conversation, silly Facebook status update, or fevered blog post. I have come to terms that my largest obstacle lies in the fact that I see all sides. Of all stories. Death penalty, atheism, abortion, tithing hang-ups, hypocrisy in living a Christ-led life. I often ask myself why things have to be completely right or completely wrong to be "right" in the eyes of God.
I want to completely believe. I want to so easily say, "My God made me, loves me, and will lead me where I need to be." I think those who have always believed cannot comprehend the thoughts of those like me. That there isn't a great creator, waiting to take me in and forgive my sins. The sheer impossibility that by simply stating that a man, Jesus, was taken on a cross to bear all human sin, and I accept that, will absolve my worries.
Never mind the fact that everyone who does believe in this great Creator and his impossibly perfect son Jesus decided that worshiping required rules. But their rules only. Not those "other" people on the other side of the tracks. In order to reach this perfect destination and wipe away all the Earthly turmoil and strife, you must do this....and you must do that...But why, then, do I feel as if those who believe with all their being are the ones casting the most judgment? I have found few believers who consistently accept me and my family the way we are, and keep inviting us to them so that we may find out how joyful their lives are with God in it. Hoping we join them one day.
I keep waiting for something grand to happen to bring me around. I sometimes think that those who call themselves "saved" as an adult had some triumphant "God shining light" moment take place that finally brought them around. They say that being saved simply means admitting and announcing that you accept Jesus the son as your savior and that he died for your sins. But really? How do you just wake up one day from a state of unrest and disbelief and say..."You know what? He is. He really is. That's my guy."
Most of all, I want to believe so that I can have the peace that true believers have. Those who live life with honest belief that God watches over them, giving them a sense of peace. No matter the truth about religion, those who believe have a safety net for their emotions and their pain. And they have a common thread that binds them with their family or friends. I keep talking to Hubs and telling him that no matter my struggles, I want my children to grow up believing as he did as a child. As he does now, despite his adult struggles he's currently experiencing. I want them to have the peace of mind and safety of believing.
Because that's what it is, really. A safety. And despite all the rules that everyone tries to impose on religion, the only concept I can wrap my mind around is trying to improve as a person in a kind and heart-filled way each day. I agree that we all fall short and we all sin. I also know that I must try much harder not to have negative feelings permeate my thoughts, and instead focus on how I can bring something positive to the table each day.
There are a few people I want to bombard with questions. People who might have found their way as an adult, from a state of "I don't know" to a state of "I am at peace with believing". But starting that conversation is difficult. I am always afraid that if I ask, I will feel as if I'm speaking with a believer who's been one all along and had it awakened in them. It's as if they had the foundation of the concept of God laid down as a child, and then decided they wanted to believe as an adult. No. I want someone who knows where I've been. Who didn't even have the notion of God solidified as a child. And who can explain their feelings in a way that I will understand.
But I think that's the problem. It's not something that can be understood, or even explained. I'm afraid it's a path I'll have to find on my own.
I don't think this is an unknown fact here. I don't think it's uncommon generally. I do think it's easy to push to the side, gloss over, and forget about for awhile.
And the hardest part? Just when I think I'm making head-way on my path, I am slammed backward by an offhand conversation, silly Facebook status update, or fevered blog post. I have come to terms that my largest obstacle lies in the fact that I see all sides. Of all stories. Death penalty, atheism, abortion, tithing hang-ups, hypocrisy in living a Christ-led life. I often ask myself why things have to be completely right or completely wrong to be "right" in the eyes of God.
I want to completely believe. I want to so easily say, "My God made me, loves me, and will lead me where I need to be." I think those who have always believed cannot comprehend the thoughts of those like me. That there isn't a great creator, waiting to take me in and forgive my sins. The sheer impossibility that by simply stating that a man, Jesus, was taken on a cross to bear all human sin, and I accept that, will absolve my worries.
Never mind the fact that everyone who does believe in this great Creator and his impossibly perfect son Jesus decided that worshiping required rules. But their rules only. Not those "other" people on the other side of the tracks. In order to reach this perfect destination and wipe away all the Earthly turmoil and strife, you must do this....and you must do that...But why, then, do I feel as if those who believe with all their being are the ones casting the most judgment? I have found few believers who consistently accept me and my family the way we are, and keep inviting us to them so that we may find out how joyful their lives are with God in it. Hoping we join them one day.
I keep waiting for something grand to happen to bring me around. I sometimes think that those who call themselves "saved" as an adult had some triumphant "God shining light" moment take place that finally brought them around. They say that being saved simply means admitting and announcing that you accept Jesus the son as your savior and that he died for your sins. But really? How do you just wake up one day from a state of unrest and disbelief and say..."You know what? He is. He really is. That's my guy."
Most of all, I want to believe so that I can have the peace that true believers have. Those who live life with honest belief that God watches over them, giving them a sense of peace. No matter the truth about religion, those who believe have a safety net for their emotions and their pain. And they have a common thread that binds them with their family or friends. I keep talking to Hubs and telling him that no matter my struggles, I want my children to grow up believing as he did as a child. As he does now, despite his adult struggles he's currently experiencing. I want them to have the peace of mind and safety of believing.
Because that's what it is, really. A safety. And despite all the rules that everyone tries to impose on religion, the only concept I can wrap my mind around is trying to improve as a person in a kind and heart-filled way each day. I agree that we all fall short and we all sin. I also know that I must try much harder not to have negative feelings permeate my thoughts, and instead focus on how I can bring something positive to the table each day.
There are a few people I want to bombard with questions. People who might have found their way as an adult, from a state of "I don't know" to a state of "I am at peace with believing". But starting that conversation is difficult. I am always afraid that if I ask, I will feel as if I'm speaking with a believer who's been one all along and had it awakened in them. It's as if they had the foundation of the concept of God laid down as a child, and then decided they wanted to believe as an adult. No. I want someone who knows where I've been. Who didn't even have the notion of God solidified as a child. And who can explain their feelings in a way that I will understand.
But I think that's the problem. It's not something that can be understood, or even explained. I'm afraid it's a path I'll have to find on my own.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday Mumbles
Monday will be coming 'round the mountain when it comes......
1. We did it. Our Bulls team finished the season of Kindergarten-1st grade basketball (unofficially) undefeated! Unofficial because we are not allowed to keep score, at least on the books. So we kept them in our head. All ten games. NOT. ONE. LOSS. Our Bulls rocked!
2. And this last game on Saturday? We did it without our tallest, most productive kiddo. He was home sick, unfortunately, but everyone stepped up and hustled like crazy. TO had his best game by far, stealing passes and making shots and making plays for the team.
3. Evie ate her first booger. Well, sort of. She wiped her fist on her face and under her nose, which was runny. She then stuck her fingers in her mouth and chewed on them. YUM.
4. She will be 9 months on Thursday. She's already pulling up to her feet and trying to stand on her own....I have a feeling we'll have another early walker. TO walked at 10 months, OJ at 11. She might just beat them!
5. OJ had to leave school on Thursday with a temperature of 104.6. I freaked out and ran out of work. He swabbed positive for the flu and they warned he might be feverish, up and down, and sickly for 5-7 days. He was pretty much recovered by Saturday night, and I'm guessing that's because he received the flu shot so when he caught it, it had a slightly less hurtful grasp on him.
6. Watching 60 Minutes last night, I was thankful and sad at the same time. Watching the stories of the children whose parents lost jobs and had to move their families into hotels made me immediately grab Evelyn and smooch her cheeks. Listening to them talk about doing homework without electricity made me jump up and click off the errant light back in the kids' room. Hearing the story about lack of food made me so thankful that Hubs is out right now, treating OJ and TO to "the King" of Burgers. We aren't hurting. Not like we could be. We must do more to help others.
7. Did you see the Miller Lite commercial that takes place at a pool where a dude thinks he should wear a speedo? And then the little foreign man walks by wearing the same speedo and says something like, "Hey look! We da same! Brothas!" and then smacks his hiney back and forth? That's what happens at my house now when TO gets done with a bath. And sometimes just because.
8. Teenage girls are supposed to be the annoying, difficult breed. I don't yet have experience with one, but I have to say that so far? Teenage boys? Suck. Sullen, indifferent, obnoxiously "cool", and without a clue that extra effort will be needed as school only gets more difficult from this point on. Someone help us!
9. BUT....he's polite. At least to adults outside of the school "zone". He's been complimented numerous times on his sweet, polite behavior and manners. There is hope.
10. I'm a fairly strong personality. I'm sure you don't know that, though. So I'm tellling you. But what I find interesting is that many people think because I'm THIS way...that Hubs must be the other way. That I must rule the roost. That I call the shots and he does what I say. I'm here to tell you that's a FALSE assumption. He couldn't be further from a "Yes honey" type of guy. More to come on this topic.
1. We did it. Our Bulls team finished the season of Kindergarten-1st grade basketball (unofficially) undefeated! Unofficial because we are not allowed to keep score, at least on the books. So we kept them in our head. All ten games. NOT. ONE. LOSS. Our Bulls rocked!
2. And this last game on Saturday? We did it without our tallest, most productive kiddo. He was home sick, unfortunately, but everyone stepped up and hustled like crazy. TO had his best game by far, stealing passes and making shots and making plays for the team.
3. Evie ate her first booger. Well, sort of. She wiped her fist on her face and under her nose, which was runny. She then stuck her fingers in her mouth and chewed on them. YUM.
4. She will be 9 months on Thursday. She's already pulling up to her feet and trying to stand on her own....I have a feeling we'll have another early walker. TO walked at 10 months, OJ at 11. She might just beat them!
5. OJ had to leave school on Thursday with a temperature of 104.6. I freaked out and ran out of work. He swabbed positive for the flu and they warned he might be feverish, up and down, and sickly for 5-7 days. He was pretty much recovered by Saturday night, and I'm guessing that's because he received the flu shot so when he caught it, it had a slightly less hurtful grasp on him.
6. Watching 60 Minutes last night, I was thankful and sad at the same time. Watching the stories of the children whose parents lost jobs and had to move their families into hotels made me immediately grab Evelyn and smooch her cheeks. Listening to them talk about doing homework without electricity made me jump up and click off the errant light back in the kids' room. Hearing the story about lack of food made me so thankful that Hubs is out right now, treating OJ and TO to "the King" of Burgers. We aren't hurting. Not like we could be. We must do more to help others.
7. Did you see the Miller Lite commercial that takes place at a pool where a dude thinks he should wear a speedo? And then the little foreign man walks by wearing the same speedo and says something like, "Hey look! We da same! Brothas!" and then smacks his hiney back and forth? That's what happens at my house now when TO gets done with a bath. And sometimes just because.
8. Teenage girls are supposed to be the annoying, difficult breed. I don't yet have experience with one, but I have to say that so far? Teenage boys? Suck. Sullen, indifferent, obnoxiously "cool", and without a clue that extra effort will be needed as school only gets more difficult from this point on. Someone help us!
9. BUT....he's polite. At least to adults outside of the school "zone". He's been complimented numerous times on his sweet, polite behavior and manners. There is hope.
10. I'm a fairly strong personality. I'm sure you don't know that, though. So I'm tellling you. But what I find interesting is that many people think because I'm THIS way...that Hubs must be the other way. That I must rule the roost. That I call the shots and he does what I say. I'm here to tell you that's a FALSE assumption. He couldn't be further from a "Yes honey" type of guy. More to come on this topic.
Have a wonderful Monday, everyone. Don't be too much of a grump, and if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, close your eyes, click your heels, and start over. :)
Friday, March 4, 2011
Funny Faces Friday
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The More Things Change....
....You know how it ends. The more they stay the same. But the focus in this statement? Change.
Why do we as humans resist something that, as a small child, we should learn is inevitable? In fact, it is truly the only constant we experience. Some might try and argue that a parent's love is constant, but those with parents who are human understand that a parent's love can ebb and flow, and in fact change as we try their patience and test their limits. They probably continue to love us, but the way they deliver it and the way we receive it is ever-changing.
Change. It's there. Always in our face. So why, when it greets us, do we spit on it? Kick it? Refuse to let it in and see what it has to offer?
But the one thing we fail to understand in all of this? We can allow our reaction to move and grow based on these factors, or we can take our initial reactions for what they are. Initial reactions. From there, it's on us.
Do we allow the presentation from others dictate our feelings?
Do we allow past experiences determine the outcome of future events?
Do we allow suggestions from others to become our reality?
Do we allow our over-active fairy tale nightmares come to fruition because we act them out subconsciously?
I have resisted change. When I first entered the workforce, I did not grasp the ever-changing technology of the business world, and at first could not adapt. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Seeing the bigger picture from a successful business standpoint was not my strong suit.
Lately Hubs and I have gone through some growing pains. We both needed to make some changes to make things work better for us. What I have realized through these attempts, however, is that I have been unwilling to let Hubs change, at least in my eyes. I let my imagination run back to the past, and expect the same results. At times, he gives me the same result but I wonder if that is because my emotionally stunted growth forces his hand? Other times, I try very hard to see his behavior as a positive step in the right direction and relish the moment. I have a feeling he experiences the same emotions with regard to me and my behavior. There is no pretense that I have been angelic, as much as I'd like to fool you.
There have been times, though, where the change was strangely welcomed. When my parents divorced I was nearly 17, and it was sad, to be sure. But I also remember taking it in stride, making it work, and realizing that it was a relief, to some degree. I am sure it wasn't an easy decision, nor was it easy on them financially with 4 children still at home. With the bigger picture in mind, however, the relief it provided them both mentally and emotionally made both parents better parents, I believe.
I never did take my parents' decision personally. I sometimes wonder if it was because I was older, but then I look at my sisters who were 8 and feel like they survived as I did - fairly unscathed. If I had taken it personally, I don't believe I would have benefited from this change and quite possibly been hindered by it. Instead, the experience taught me perspective, a human need to survive, and that parents aren't selfless creatures put on Earth solely for my needs.
Lately I have been trying to figure out ways to help others see that change does not equal death to familiarity or the end of progress or no more happiness. It is always said that life is what you make it, and we would all be better served to heed this advice more often. Lately I have been letting others fill my ear, alter my course of what I know to be right and best for me. I thankfully have others who counter those sentiments and help me stay straight and positive and hopeful. I am taking a stance tonight to be that positive and hopeful influence to others.
Back to my roots, if you will.
Back to what I know.
Back to the future.
Why do we as humans resist something that, as a small child, we should learn is inevitable? In fact, it is truly the only constant we experience. Some might try and argue that a parent's love is constant, but those with parents who are human understand that a parent's love can ebb and flow, and in fact change as we try their patience and test their limits. They probably continue to love us, but the way they deliver it and the way we receive it is ever-changing.
Change. It's there. Always in our face. So why, when it greets us, do we spit on it? Kick it? Refuse to let it in and see what it has to offer?
Sometimes a reaction to change is based on the way it is presented.
Sometimes a reaction to change is based on past experience with similar change.
Sometimes a reaction to change is based on what others suggest will happen.
Sometimes a reaction to change is based on our imagination running wild.
But the one thing we fail to understand in all of this? We can allow our reaction to move and grow based on these factors, or we can take our initial reactions for what they are. Initial reactions. From there, it's on us.
Do we allow the presentation from others dictate our feelings?
Do we allow past experiences determine the outcome of future events?
Do we allow suggestions from others to become our reality?
Do we allow our over-active fairy tale nightmares come to fruition because we act them out subconsciously?
I have resisted change. When I first entered the workforce, I did not grasp the ever-changing technology of the business world, and at first could not adapt. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Seeing the bigger picture from a successful business standpoint was not my strong suit.
Lately Hubs and I have gone through some growing pains. We both needed to make some changes to make things work better for us. What I have realized through these attempts, however, is that I have been unwilling to let Hubs change, at least in my eyes. I let my imagination run back to the past, and expect the same results. At times, he gives me the same result but I wonder if that is because my emotionally stunted growth forces his hand? Other times, I try very hard to see his behavior as a positive step in the right direction and relish the moment. I have a feeling he experiences the same emotions with regard to me and my behavior. There is no pretense that I have been angelic, as much as I'd like to fool you.
There have been times, though, where the change was strangely welcomed. When my parents divorced I was nearly 17, and it was sad, to be sure. But I also remember taking it in stride, making it work, and realizing that it was a relief, to some degree. I am sure it wasn't an easy decision, nor was it easy on them financially with 4 children still at home. With the bigger picture in mind, however, the relief it provided them both mentally and emotionally made both parents better parents, I believe.
I never did take my parents' decision personally. I sometimes wonder if it was because I was older, but then I look at my sisters who were 8 and feel like they survived as I did - fairly unscathed. If I had taken it personally, I don't believe I would have benefited from this change and quite possibly been hindered by it. Instead, the experience taught me perspective, a human need to survive, and that parents aren't selfless creatures put on Earth solely for my needs.
Lately I have been trying to figure out ways to help others see that change does not equal death to familiarity or the end of progress or no more happiness. It is always said that life is what you make it, and we would all be better served to heed this advice more often. Lately I have been letting others fill my ear, alter my course of what I know to be right and best for me. I thankfully have others who counter those sentiments and help me stay straight and positive and hopeful. I am taking a stance tonight to be that positive and hopeful influence to others.
Back to my roots, if you will.
Back to what I know.
Back to the future.
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