With their debut album certified platinum, country music's latest sensation is local Atlanta trio, Sugarland, and they aced the CMA award nominations yesterday -- that's Country Music Association for you non-believers -- with three, including Vocal Group of the Year!
The reason this is so exciting for me is that I feel like I know them. I don't, really, but see the lone guy in the group? That's Kristian Bush, and I've been a fan of his since way back when he played The Depot at Emory University in 1992 with his then-musical-partner, Andrew Hyra. They were 2 guys with guitars, folk-rock to the Nth degree, and I absolutely fell in LOVE with it, and with them. They wrote cutting lyrics and singable melodies -- my kind of tunes. I have every album. I saw them at least 8 times. My roommate and I shared this little fan-dom, and we weren't alone -- Billy Pilgrim, as they named their act, still has scores of devoted fans although they broke up several years ago. Some of their fans are annoyingly rabid -- to the point where they're still whining in emails to the list-serv, "Why doesn't BP get back together?!?!" (Yes, I'm still on the list-serv.)
Meanwhile, Kristian has taken this wonderful turn with his music and is SUCCEEDING! It's impressive because he's thirty-something. He has a wife and a little boy. He has played the local bar circuit and sold CDs out of his trunk his whole life. BP did well, and signed with Atlantic records at one point, but it wasn't the perfect management situation for them, so they gave it up. And how courageous of them -- the chance to be on a major label, but they didn't want it if they couldn't be in control of the music. And now lookee -- he's Platinum! He's going to win a national award! He is so cool. And yes, yes I did: I knew him when. Sort-of.
One of the band's managers/closest friends -- she's mentioned in the liner notes, right at the top! -- works here, at my company, during the daylight hours. So my degree of separation is ONE, direct to my musical hero (and, admittedly, one of my few celebrity crushes, hee). Guess that makes this entry less congratulatory and more "screaming girly fan." But really, I'm very proud of them. They deserve it, no doubt about that.
Wednesday, September 7
Summer beauty
This afternoon, we saw our Butterfly.
AJ and I have been noticing, when we play outside in the yard, this year's abundance of butterflies. Have you noticed them, too? I've never before seen such big, beautiful ones so often. Of course, I've never played outside so much, not since I was a kid. ;) So we've been watching for them. He seems to be intrigued, which is adorable. He turns his head and follows their scattered flight patterns, and calls out to me, "Buuuuhhhh---?" Which is his way of saying "Buuuuutter-fly!" like Mommy does. I have visions of a little boy with a white net on a stick, running after the butterflies in a glowy, hazy summer dream...me, watching him from the window, smiling, wistfully.... then I remember he's not quite there yet. But I am. If it weren't for needing to stay by him and make sure he doesn't trip on our uneven driveway and sidewalk, I'd run and jump and laugh with every one. The big, yellow and black and blue (gorgeous!) ones, and the little solid-butter-yellow ones, and even sometimes the brown moths, which catch my eye because I'm absolutely Waiting for something to flutter in my peripheral vision.
Lepidoptera, in case you were wondering the scientific name.
So today, we were coming home from work and from daycare, and as always, we trekked out onto the driveway with Napoleon and his tennis ball, all the way to the mailbox to get the mail. We have Gerber daisies and a perennial red dianthus planted there, so it's a good cultivating spot, I guess. I wasn't much paying attention, but very softly, she alighted in the dianthus and went about her work -- it looked like she was harvesting nectar, although I didn't realize they did that. (How dumb am I? I never took botany or horticulture, I guess.) And I whispered, as loudly as I could, "AJ!!! Come over here quick, and see the Butterfly!" It was hard to keep the environment safe and welcoming for her, what with a 65-pound Lab panting and smacking and pawing at his tennis ball, and at me. But she stayed, and continued her fluttering, for at least 10 minutes. She'd be off and about for a minute or two, across to the neighbor's yard, up, up into the trees, then back down again. And kept returning to our garden. I was so honored. So blessed. And AJ quieted down and really stood there and watched her with me, up close, her wings moving more slowly as she drank that nectar. My arms around his little waist, his mouth open in wonder, my heart racing with excitement.
I wanted to freeze that moment. Instead, I tried to get too close. My granola neighbor, upon learning that AJ is into butterflies lately, showed off his skillz last weekend and let one of the big pretty yellow ones sit on his finger for a minute. So I got all ambitious and tried to do the same, today, and she realized she was being watched. She wasn't as into us as we were into her! She flew far away. But I do hope she'll come back. I am sure, in my little personal fiction, that we keep seeing the same one over and over. Sweet, sweet buuuuuter-fly.
(Something about butterflies, and having a mini-obsession with them, strikes me as very '70s all of a sudden. Next thing you know I'll get a screen-printed t-shirt -- or better yet, a glitter decal -- of the Butterfly, the Unicorn, and the Rainbow all holding hands and singing "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke." But I don't care. She's pretty. I like her. If I was a homeschool Mom, we'd have a unit on Leo...Luh....I mean, Lepidoptera.)
AJ and I have been noticing, when we play outside in the yard, this year's abundance of butterflies. Have you noticed them, too? I've never before seen such big, beautiful ones so often. Of course, I've never played outside so much, not since I was a kid. ;) So we've been watching for them. He seems to be intrigued, which is adorable. He turns his head and follows their scattered flight patterns, and calls out to me, "Buuuuhhhh---?" Which is his way of saying "Buuuuutter-fly!" like Mommy does. I have visions of a little boy with a white net on a stick, running after the butterflies in a glowy, hazy summer dream...me, watching him from the window, smiling, wistfully.... then I remember he's not quite there yet. But I am. If it weren't for needing to stay by him and make sure he doesn't trip on our uneven driveway and sidewalk, I'd run and jump and laugh with every one. The big, yellow and black and blue (gorgeous!) ones, and the little solid-butter-yellow ones, and even sometimes the brown moths, which catch my eye because I'm absolutely Waiting for something to flutter in my peripheral vision.
Lepidoptera, in case you were wondering the scientific name.
So today, we were coming home from work and from daycare, and as always, we trekked out onto the driveway with Napoleon and his tennis ball, all the way to the mailbox to get the mail. We have Gerber daisies and a perennial red dianthus planted there, so it's a good cultivating spot, I guess. I wasn't much paying attention, but very softly, she alighted in the dianthus and went about her work -- it looked like she was harvesting nectar, although I didn't realize they did that. (How dumb am I? I never took botany or horticulture, I guess.) And I whispered, as loudly as I could, "AJ!!! Come over here quick, and see the Butterfly!" It was hard to keep the environment safe and welcoming for her, what with a 65-pound Lab panting and smacking and pawing at his tennis ball, and at me. But she stayed, and continued her fluttering, for at least 10 minutes. She'd be off and about for a minute or two, across to the neighbor's yard, up, up into the trees, then back down again. And kept returning to our garden. I was so honored. So blessed. And AJ quieted down and really stood there and watched her with me, up close, her wings moving more slowly as she drank that nectar. My arms around his little waist, his mouth open in wonder, my heart racing with excitement.
I wanted to freeze that moment. Instead, I tried to get too close. My granola neighbor, upon learning that AJ is into butterflies lately, showed off his skillz last weekend and let one of the big pretty yellow ones sit on his finger for a minute. So I got all ambitious and tried to do the same, today, and she realized she was being watched. She wasn't as into us as we were into her! She flew far away. But I do hope she'll come back. I am sure, in my little personal fiction, that we keep seeing the same one over and over. Sweet, sweet buuuuuter-fly.
(Something about butterflies, and having a mini-obsession with them, strikes me as very '70s all of a sudden. Next thing you know I'll get a screen-printed t-shirt -- or better yet, a glitter decal -- of the Butterfly, the Unicorn, and the Rainbow all holding hands and singing "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke." But I don't care. She's pretty. I like her. If I was a homeschool Mom, we'd have a unit on Leo...Luh....I mean, Lepidoptera.)
Mirror, mirror, on the wall
I'm as vain as Snow White's Queen, y'all.
I'm wearing my hair back in a barette today, for the first time in about 10 years (besides Sis's wedding). As a matter of fact, even 10 years ago when I had long-ish hair, in college, I rarely put it in a barette. I was a headband girl. But anyway, today, since it's still in the "growing" stage, there are bits and pieces that stray All The Damn Time and it's driving me crazy. As a result, I've been to the restroom about One Hundred Times to play with it. And re-position it. And re-do. And finger-comb. And gaze, gaze, gaze into the mirror. It's vanity in its purest form! How do I look?!?! I even went to Target to buy some new Hair Implements, since mine are from about 1989. Sis* says I can just play off the stray pieces as "Sexy-Messy," like Elliott on Scrubs. Great idea! Sexy-Messy. I can aspire to that.
*To whom I owe most of the content of this blog. She's awful sweet to let me gack everything she says and publish it here.
I'm wearing my hair back in a barette today, for the first time in about 10 years (besides Sis's wedding). As a matter of fact, even 10 years ago when I had long-ish hair, in college, I rarely put it in a barette. I was a headband girl. But anyway, today, since it's still in the "growing" stage, there are bits and pieces that stray All The Damn Time and it's driving me crazy. As a result, I've been to the restroom about One Hundred Times to play with it. And re-position it. And re-do. And finger-comb. And gaze, gaze, gaze into the mirror. It's vanity in its purest form! How do I look?!?! I even went to Target to buy some new Hair Implements, since mine are from about 1989. Sis* says I can just play off the stray pieces as "Sexy-Messy," like Elliott on Scrubs. Great idea! Sexy-Messy. I can aspire to that.
*To whom I owe most of the content of this blog. She's awful sweet to let me gack everything she says and publish it here.
Friday, September 2
IM me
re: choir woes
Here's where I point out how much of a music snob I am, and how I wish I could find a traditional church choir that sings the OLD HYMNS like "Faith of our Fathers" and "Lift High the Cross." Instead, we have a mix of about 1/3 those old greats and 2/3 things like the following. Sigh. It's okay. But sometimes it gets to me, how we're ignoring the years and years of good music in the Catholic church... hello, things like Mozart and Beethoven and, who's that other guy? Oh yeah, St. Gregory of Gregorian chant fame.... music that transcends time and connects us with our forefathers and mothers. We've focused so much on adding the modern things from contemporary Christian radio because we're all very "open minded." Don't get me wrong, I love some of the CC things. On the RADIO. Or in the "contemporary" service. There's a time and a place. Anyway, without further adieu, my sister and I, talking about the contemporary song my choir studied at rehearsal last Wednesday:
Here's where I point out how much of a music snob I am, and how I wish I could find a traditional church choir that sings the OLD HYMNS like "Faith of our Fathers" and "Lift High the Cross." Instead, we have a mix of about 1/3 those old greats and 2/3 things like the following. Sigh. It's okay. But sometimes it gets to me, how we're ignoring the years and years of good music in the Catholic church... hello, things like Mozart and Beethoven and, who's that other guy? Oh yeah, St. Gregory of Gregorian chant fame.... music that transcends time and connects us with our forefathers and mothers. We've focused so much on adding the modern things from contemporary Christian radio because we're all very "open minded." Don't get me wrong, I love some of the CC things. On the RADIO. Or in the "contemporary" service. There's a time and a place. Anyway, without further adieu, my sister and I, talking about the contemporary song my choir studied at rehearsal last Wednesday:
MySelf says: (2:27:03 PM)
YES!! On to happier things!
MySelf says: (2:27:20 PM)
ummm...... *crickets*.....
Sis says: (2:27:28 PM)
hahaha
MySelf says: (2:28:31 PM)
My choir SUCKS! How 'bout that? We're singing "With one Vooooice, we'll pass the Word along! With one voooooiiiiice, bring justice to the wooooooorld!" CLAP CLAP CLAP --claps written into the Freaking Score!!!! Bllllahghghghg. I could die.
Sis says: (2:29:17 PM)
Ewwwwww! And you're actually doing the claps? Yuck!!!!! and cheesy words, too.
MySelf says: (2:30:30 PM)
NO way will I do the clapping. (she says resolutely, knowing she will). It's too much. AND --- ANNND! He's hired a DRUMMER for the 10:45am "traditional" Mass!!! Or else the guy volunteered. But I'm saying, "TRADITIONAL" does not mean Rock and Roll Drummer!!! Let him play ANY other mass but not this, this Last Vestige of Musical Decency!!!!
MySelf says: (2:30:51 PM)
(which isn't even that decent anymore!)
Sis says: (2:31:42 PM)
can't the choir argue that you can't CLAP and hold music at the same time? All clapping must be nixed. And oh, geez, a drummer? no other instruments, just drums and piano/organ? Horrifying.
MySelf says: (2:32:26 PM)
Probably flute and violin, too. It IS horrifying. What a perfect word. LOL
MySelf says: (2:34:05 PM)
Of course now that stinking song is in my head!
Sis says: (2:34:06 PM)
flute, violin, and frums. what a perfect trio!
Sis says: (2:34:06 PM)
drums
Sis says: (2:34:15 PM)
i'm glad I don't know it
Sis says: (2:34:52 PM)
we're going to go to the cathedral on Sunday and hear the big choir and fancy organ. I'll think of you, being miserable, clapping to the beat of the drum.
MySelf says: (2:35:28 PM)
I know! How divinely inspired, right?! Oh, and the worst thing is that it's for "nine-eleven," which is what Director calls the week after this one -- he refuses just to say Sunday, the 11th. It's NINE-ELEVEN. The ANNIVERSARY. Gggggag. "Bringing justice to the world.... (like Iraq?)."
MySelf says: (2:35:47 PM)
LUKCY YOU, going to the cathedral! I will listen from afar.
Sis says: (2:36:03 PM)
teehee! can't stop laughing
Sis says: (2:36:14 PM)
9/11. whoa
Sis says: (2:36:27 PM)
justice to the terrorists
MySelf says: (2:36:29 PM)
My pain, your laughter. No, I'm kidding. it's so awful it's funny.
Sis says: (2:37:56 PM)
good luck trying to keep a straight face next sunday
MySelf says: (2:38:23 PM)
seriously!!
MySelf says: (2:38:26 PM)
I may have to leave.
MySelf says: (2:38:51 PM)
It WOULD be inappropriate to be laughing out loud in the middle of such a MOVING presentation!! hahahaha!!!!!!
Sis says: (2:39:22 PM)
moving, yeah. moving folks out of the choir maybe
MySelf says: (2:39:47 PM)
lollolol!
Nicest things I've heard
Among all the severely depressing news about Louisiana and Mississippi -- which continues to make me cry every time I turn on the TV or NPR -- I have heard a couple of very encouraging things.
-- Governor of Mississippi, this morning, saying "...we're gonna 'hitch up our britches'..." and get things back in order as fast as possible. Makes me want to hug him. "Hitch up our britches."
-- Atlanta Falcons player Warrick Dunn, challenging every player in the NFL to donate (at least) $5,000.00 to disaster relief. The total would be in the 2 billions. I am now a big fan of Warrick Dunn. (And of the Falcons, who've ALL already ponied up, according to reports.)
-- In Houston, at the Astrodome, some guy who owns a pizza restaurant has his employees (and himself, I presume) over there making pizzas for the refugees. Now THAT is a great way to contribute. It's the little things, you know? But hell, FOOD is rather a big thing. Kudos to him.
It's a disaster down there (understatement of the year) and I can't imagine how in the world the relief organizations can even organize themselves, right there in the thick of it, to get anything accomplished. The name "organization" is sort-of a misnomer in this situation. They're more like "relief intentions." But there are so many local aid efforts going on, all around the country, that are going to make a big difference. Eventually. I hope.
-- Governor of Mississippi, this morning, saying "...we're gonna 'hitch up our britches'..." and get things back in order as fast as possible. Makes me want to hug him. "Hitch up our britches."
-- Atlanta Falcons player Warrick Dunn, challenging every player in the NFL to donate (at least) $5,000.00 to disaster relief. The total would be in the 2 billions. I am now a big fan of Warrick Dunn. (And of the Falcons, who've ALL already ponied up, according to reports.)
-- In Houston, at the Astrodome, some guy who owns a pizza restaurant has his employees (and himself, I presume) over there making pizzas for the refugees. Now THAT is a great way to contribute. It's the little things, you know? But hell, FOOD is rather a big thing. Kudos to him.
It's a disaster down there (understatement of the year) and I can't imagine how in the world the relief organizations can even organize themselves, right there in the thick of it, to get anything accomplished. The name "organization" is sort-of a misnomer in this situation. They're more like "relief intentions." But there are so many local aid efforts going on, all around the country, that are going to make a big difference. Eventually. I hope.
Thursday, September 1
Lullaby and good night
This is for posterity. I want to remember all the lullabies I ever sang to AJ. Don't bother reading it if you're not into lullabies. :)
Also wondering if any of you (besides my mom and sister) know any of these sweet songs.
Frog Went A'Courtin', which Grandmother (Mom's mom) sang to me:
Froggy went a'courtin' and he did ride, mm-mm.
Froggy went a'courtin' and he did ride,
A sword and pistol by his side, mm-mm.
He took Miss Mousie on bended knee, mm-mm.
He took Miss Mousie on bended knee,
Said, "Miss Mousie, will you marry me?" Mm-mm.
"Without my Uncle Rat's consent," said she...
"Without my Uncle Rat's consent I would not marry
The President," mm-mm.
Then Uncle Rat, he soon came home, mm-mm.
Then Uncle Rat, he soon came home.
"Who's been here since I've been gone?" mm-mm.
"A pretty little dandyman," said she.
"A pretty little dandyman
Who says he wants to marry me." Mm-mm.
"Where will the wedding breakfast be," mm-mm.
"Where will the wedding breakfast be?"
"Way down yonder, in a hollow tree." Mm-mm.
"What will the wedding breakfast be?" Mm-mm.
"What will the wedding breakfast be?"
"Three green beans and a black-eyed pea," mm-mm.
Then Uncle Rat gave his consent, mm-mm.
Then Uncle Rat gave his consent, and
That's the way the marriage went, mm-mm.
Froggy and Mousie went to France, mm-mm.
Froggy and Mousie went to France, and
That's the end of my romance, mm-mm.
The storybook sits on the shelf, mm-mm.
The storybook sits on the shelf,
If you want more, you'll have to read it yourself! Mm-mm.
In the Evening, which my Granny (Dad's mom) sang to me:
In the evening, when the daylight goes,
Little Flowers all begin to close.
Mama holds her little one
Quite close against her breast,
So that like the other Flowers,
He, too, may go to rest.
Angels, dear, hover near.
Watch o'er my darling boy tonight,
Stars so bright, shine your light.
Watch o'er my darling,
Keep him safe from fear.
The Angel Band/Harps of Gold (also from Granny)
"We come, we come
With our harps of gold,
From a far-off Summer Land.
The crystal River we've crossed again,
We've left the Angel Band
To bring to you on our harps of gold
Sweet Music from afar!"
With cadence soft, the angels sing
As they glide from star to star.
Rock-a-Bye, Baby, which my own Mom sang to me, and sings to AJ
(And here are some other songs I have sung when I'm tired of those top four:)
Do-Re-Mi
I Love You a Bushel and a Peck
Simple Gifts
If I Were a Butterfly
Slumber Song (Sleep, Oh My Darling)
Pirate Dreams (These last two were tucked into the far corners of my memory; I sang them in voice lessons when I was, like, 12. It was hard work to recall all the lyrics, but I did it in the deep, dark hours of those midnight feedings, when AJ was tiny.)
The Farmer in the Dell
Hush, Little Baby, Don't Say a Word (once I finally figured out all the words)
Also wondering if any of you (besides my mom and sister) know any of these sweet songs.
Frog Went A'Courtin', which Grandmother (Mom's mom) sang to me:
Froggy went a'courtin' and he did ride, mm-mm.
Froggy went a'courtin' and he did ride,
A sword and pistol by his side, mm-mm.
He took Miss Mousie on bended knee, mm-mm.
He took Miss Mousie on bended knee,
Said, "Miss Mousie, will you marry me?" Mm-mm.
"Without my Uncle Rat's consent," said she...
"Without my Uncle Rat's consent I would not marry
The President," mm-mm.
Then Uncle Rat, he soon came home, mm-mm.
Then Uncle Rat, he soon came home.
"Who's been here since I've been gone?" mm-mm.
"A pretty little dandyman," said she.
"A pretty little dandyman
Who says he wants to marry me." Mm-mm.
"Where will the wedding breakfast be," mm-mm.
"Where will the wedding breakfast be?"
"Way down yonder, in a hollow tree." Mm-mm.
"What will the wedding breakfast be?" Mm-mm.
"What will the wedding breakfast be?"
"Three green beans and a black-eyed pea," mm-mm.
Then Uncle Rat gave his consent, mm-mm.
Then Uncle Rat gave his consent, and
That's the way the marriage went, mm-mm.
Froggy and Mousie went to France, mm-mm.
Froggy and Mousie went to France, and
That's the end of my romance, mm-mm.
The storybook sits on the shelf, mm-mm.
The storybook sits on the shelf,
If you want more, you'll have to read it yourself! Mm-mm.
In the Evening, which my Granny (Dad's mom) sang to me:
In the evening, when the daylight goes,
Little Flowers all begin to close.
Mama holds her little one
Quite close against her breast,
So that like the other Flowers,
He, too, may go to rest.
Angels, dear, hover near.
Watch o'er my darling boy tonight,
Stars so bright, shine your light.
Watch o'er my darling,
Keep him safe from fear.
The Angel Band/Harps of Gold (also from Granny)
"We come, we come
With our harps of gold,
From a far-off Summer Land.
The crystal River we've crossed again,
We've left the Angel Band
To bring to you on our harps of gold
Sweet Music from afar!"
With cadence soft, the angels sing
As they glide from star to star.
Rock-a-Bye, Baby, which my own Mom sang to me, and sings to AJ
(And here are some other songs I have sung when I'm tired of those top four:)
Do-Re-Mi
I Love You a Bushel and a Peck
Simple Gifts
If I Were a Butterfly
Slumber Song (Sleep, Oh My Darling)
Pirate Dreams (These last two were tucked into the far corners of my memory; I sang them in voice lessons when I was, like, 12. It was hard work to recall all the lyrics, but I did it in the deep, dark hours of those midnight feedings, when AJ was tiny.)
The Farmer in the Dell
Hush, Little Baby, Don't Say a Word (once I finally figured out all the words)
Wednesday, August 31
Overwhelmed
Hurricane Katrina aftermath. I can't stop listening to the news, and at the same time I can't bear to think about it. I want to do something to help, and I also want to distance myself far from the sadness and depth of the tragedy. A friend lost her father in Mississippi -- a falling tree killed him. That's so unreal. And yet it's not; it actually happened. To someone I know. My mom has elderly cousins in southeast Louisiana -- rural towns that no one's even heard from yet. These are people I know -- people I've spent holidays with -- people who tell wonderful stories with a natural, absolutely endearing Cajun accent. And we aren't sure if they're okay because they had called us beforehand to say they were going to ride it out. (In truth, it probably would have been difficult for them to pack up hurriedly and leave, so I don't even blame them for staying.) It's just too much; I am sad for our country, for the very special city of New Orleans, and for all the devastated victims. If you or your family are among them, I'm praying for you.
Tuesday, August 30
Fish tacos
Today is Tuesday -- the best day of the week as far as I'm concerned, besides Saturday of course. On Tuesdays, my team at work has a 10am meeting in Midtown. Since our new office is FAR and FAR from Midtown, our manager doesn't make us go in before the meeting, provided we check email and phone messages and generally get something done at home (as far as he knows). My Darling Husband drives AJ to daycare, and ergo.... I have the whole morning all to myself. See how that works?
I just vacuumed the upstairs, a quick little task of 3 bedrooms and two tile floors when I'm not using the hose on the lamps and bookshelves (which is never). DH is much more thorough. It isn't fun to vacuum, but the feeling of having it done is quite nice. Now I'm sitting down with a creamy, steamy cup of cafe au lait and my blog. Sweet bliss. Listening to the "O Brother, Where Art Thou" soundtrack. ("Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, keep on the sunny side of life!") The dog's at my feet, snoozing quietly. It was rainy all night and still kind-of is, making for my favorite kind of weather.
Even better than all this is that, after our 10am meeting, I will drive the short distance to this restaurant, one of Atlantans' favorites, and I will order Fish Tacos and corn chowder and I will eat and be very satisfied. I will also remember to purchase a to-go order for my Darling Husband. And then he will be happy, which actually makes me happiest of all.
I just vacuumed the upstairs, a quick little task of 3 bedrooms and two tile floors when I'm not using the hose on the lamps and bookshelves (which is never). DH is much more thorough. It isn't fun to vacuum, but the feeling of having it done is quite nice. Now I'm sitting down with a creamy, steamy cup of cafe au lait and my blog. Sweet bliss. Listening to the "O Brother, Where Art Thou" soundtrack. ("Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, keep on the sunny side of life!") The dog's at my feet, snoozing quietly. It was rainy all night and still kind-of is, making for my favorite kind of weather.
Even better than all this is that, after our 10am meeting, I will drive the short distance to this restaurant, one of Atlantans' favorites, and I will order Fish Tacos and corn chowder and I will eat and be very satisfied. I will also remember to purchase a to-go order for my Darling Husband. And then he will be happy, which actually makes me happiest of all.
Friday, August 26
New clickies*
Two of my recent favorites have been added to the Good Reads list over there ...take your place of honor, ladies! [Trumpet fanfare! Tah-doo-doo-dah!] I have many blogs bookmarked, but only a few make the link-to-me cut. It means I consider your writing superior. Congratula-see-ons!
Indigo Girl is a woman of exceptional strength and vigor, as she is raising, in her words, "two Junior Mints." Twins, people! God loveher. She writes brilliantly -- and, a lot! of which I'm jealous -- and has spectacular insight into the ages and stages. (Also, her girls are about the same or a little ahead of AJ's age and development, so I'm getting tips and tricks from her! Bonus!)
And thatgirl, from Dance As if Nobody is Watching, observes gently, astutely and hilariously as her little ones grow; her youngest is 9 months (making ME look like the expert with tips and tricks -NOT-); she has enough archives to keep me busy on the off-chance I ever have a whole sick day all to myself; and she lives with a real-live Cowboy, how cool is that?? (being originally from Texas myself, I think that is very cool.)
Thanks for helping me procrastinate, new friends!
*Term stolen right from suburban misfit, who's inching her way right up onto my list, as well.
Indigo Girl is a woman of exceptional strength and vigor, as she is raising, in her words, "two Junior Mints." Twins, people! God loveher. She writes brilliantly -- and, a lot! of which I'm jealous -- and has spectacular insight into the ages and stages. (Also, her girls are about the same or a little ahead of AJ's age and development, so I'm getting tips and tricks from her! Bonus!)
And thatgirl, from Dance As if Nobody is Watching, observes gently, astutely and hilariously as her little ones grow; her youngest is 9 months (making ME look like the expert with tips and tricks -NOT-); she has enough archives to keep me busy on the off-chance I ever have a whole sick day all to myself; and she lives with a real-live Cowboy, how cool is that?? (being originally from Texas myself, I think that is very cool.)
Thanks for helping me procrastinate, new friends!
*Term stolen right from suburban misfit, who's inching her way right up onto my list, as well.
Oh dear oh dear oh dear
(Notice my overuse of three-repeat headlines lately? What does that mean, do you think?)
Nervous for a friend of mine who, at this moment, is having a Conversation. With her Boss. Who's also my Boss. Eeeeeeeeeek.
Music review: Foo Fighters' new album -- the 2nd acoustic disc -- is fantabulous. Dave Grohl has a really beautiful singing voice. It's too bad the 1st disc in the set consists of him screeching for 10 songs. I can't get into too much of that, although I've only listened once. We'll see if it grows on me. (I doubt you thought I listened to the likes of FF! Surprise!)
AJ review: Woke up coughing this morning. I am In Prayer that he doesn't have Croup, for which there is a sign on the daycare door: "A student in Infant 1 has been diagnosed with Croup." We're in Infant 2, mind you, but that doesn't mean we haven't been exposed. Still... hello, scare tactics. As if it's the Pox or Ebola. My faithful Dr. Sears says this: "Is Croup contagious? Yes, it is about as contagious as the common cold. Good hand washing is important to prevent spread." So, perhaps not a life-or-death threat as advertised. But, dear me. Don't be sick, Baby. I've got my cool-mist humidifer at the ready, just in case he starts barking.
Storm review: Good lord, we're all the way to K. Poor Pensacola, home of my entire extended family, is supposed to be bracing for another Fun Time Hurricane. I don't wish any harm to anyone, but... go to Texas, Katrina. They're tougher and less battle-scarred over there -- they can handle you, Miss Category 2-and-a-half. We've had enough of your kind in the Panhandle of F-L-A.
Nervous for a friend of mine who, at this moment, is having a Conversation. With her Boss. Who's also my Boss. Eeeeeeeeeek.
Music review: Foo Fighters' new album -- the 2nd acoustic disc -- is fantabulous. Dave Grohl has a really beautiful singing voice. It's too bad the 1st disc in the set consists of him screeching for 10 songs. I can't get into too much of that, although I've only listened once. We'll see if it grows on me. (I doubt you thought I listened to the likes of FF! Surprise!)
AJ review: Woke up coughing this morning. I am In Prayer that he doesn't have Croup, for which there is a sign on the daycare door: "A student in Infant 1 has been diagnosed with Croup." We're in Infant 2, mind you, but that doesn't mean we haven't been exposed. Still... hello, scare tactics. As if it's the Pox or Ebola. My faithful Dr. Sears says this: "Is Croup contagious? Yes, it is about as contagious as the common cold. Good hand washing is important to prevent spread." So, perhaps not a life-or-death threat as advertised. But, dear me. Don't be sick, Baby. I've got my cool-mist humidifer at the ready, just in case he starts barking.
Storm review: Good lord, we're all the way to K. Poor Pensacola, home of my entire extended family, is supposed to be bracing for another Fun Time Hurricane. I don't wish any harm to anyone, but... go to Texas, Katrina. They're tougher and less battle-scarred over there -- they can handle you, Miss Category 2-and-a-half. We've had enough of your kind in the Panhandle of F-L-A.
Thursday, August 25
Wimpy, wimpy, wim-py
I think I remember that others of you out there in the universe do this, too: When you're having an "issue" with your husbands or friends or co-workers, sometimes it's easier to "confront" them with an email than in person. I just did that. Husband and I are dealing with an "issue" -- nothing to worry about and thanks for your concern -- but I wasn't brave enough to just bring it up last night. I had to write him an email. Is that so cowardly of me? It makes me cringe and, as the Genie in Aladdin once said, "I feel sheepish." But I hope it will spark just the conversation we need to have.
Tuesday, August 23
Waste time much?
Sometimes during the weekend, I'll think of all these brilliant things I want to blog about, but when I get to the computer on Monday morning, every idea has vanished from my brain. Lately the only things on my mind have been soooo mundane: What are we going to have for dinner this week, how did AJ get that scratch on his cheek, did I write the check to daycare, when will I ever have time to clean out that flower pot and plant something new in it, will this dog ever stop shedding... nothing too earth-shattering. You may have noticed, if you read with any regularity!
And so, to celebrate the season of Not Much Going On, here is a lovely little meme for you.
"Getting to Know You"
1. What is your occupation? Web producer and content writer
2. What are you listening to right now? My own typing skills and the hum of a flourescent light
3. What are you wearing right now? Red floral tank top, red capri pants
4. What was the last thing you ate? Wheat bagel with light cream cheese and peach salsa, yum.
5. Do you wish on stars? YES
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? I can't decide. RED, or Spring Green
7. How is the weather right now? Haven't been out yet but I bet it's hot and humid
8. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Probably my husband
9. Where would you go right now, if you could go anywhere? Bed.
10. How old are you today? 31
11. Favorite drink? Coca-Cola classic over ice
12. What is your favorite sport? Um, reading? I guess baseball, in terms of general sports. I also like the girly ones like gymnastics.
13. Have you ever dyed your hair? Highlighted, yes
14. Do you wear contacts? Nope
15. Pets? Napoleon, lab-chow mix
16. Favorite month? December
17. Favorite food? Pizza or Mexican (how many times have I answered that question the exact same way??)
18. What was the last movie you watched? "Must Love Dogs"
19. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Day
20. What do you do to vent anger? Whine aloud to whomever is standing closest. Write in blog. Call sister.
21 What was your favorite toy as a child? It depends on the year... Fashion Plates ranked pretty high up...my diary wasn't really a toy but I spent a lot of time with it... I guess dolls, in general. Ooh, and my chalkboard! Won it in a "toy walk" at the city "Jubiliee" one year and adored that thing! Subjected my sister to MANY games of "School" where I was the teacher (and thus, the only one who got to use the chalkboard)!
22. Fall or Spring? Fall
23. Hugs or kisses? Hugs
24. Cherry or Blueberry? Cherry
25. Living arrangements? House (3br/2ba) in a subdivision in a suburb
26. When was the last time you cried? Last time I had PMS! No wait, yesterday, watching AJ play (he was so cute and it just got to me, all of a sudden. And maybe there was some sappy commercial on at the same time...*embarrassed shrug*)
27. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes, a couple of baseball caps, shoe boxes
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest? My sister
29. What did you do last night? Made dinner, played with AJ, cleaned up the kitchen, read a magazine, watched Anthony Bourdain's new show
30. Favorite smell? just-bathed AJ
31. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
32. How many states have you lived in? 3 = TX, FL, GA
33. How many cities have you lived in? Are we counting suburbs? Then, 6. Hereford Tx, Pensacola, Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, and Paris ("lived" there for 6 weeks)
34. How did you meet your mate? At work
35. What person has inspired you the most in your life? Such a hard question. I guess, at one time, my friend Jenny inspired me a whole lot. She was very vibrant, a couple of years older than me, and I adored her. She helped me "find" my personality, I think (this was when I was a teen). Or if not that, she brought out a side of my personality that wasn't known to me -- my silly, extroverted, make-a-fool-of-myself and do-unexpected-things side. We had the best times together, doing anything from reading poetry to tap-dancing to having rainy-afternoon picnics to just driving around, or giggling like crazy while we brushed our teeth. Ah, to be young! We lost touch after college and since then, have communicated sporadically, but our lives aren't very similar anymore. She stayed in theater and played the lead roles and the quirky ones, and I moved more inside myself, started singing choral music and thus becoming more "unseen," as a blended voice rather than a stand-out. Funny how our hobbies mirrored our personalities a bit. Last time we were together we were clearly on two different planes. But I treasure what she meant to me, and how we inspired each other.
Hey, feel free to play along if you've read all the way to the end (and if you're bored like I was)!
And so, to celebrate the season of Not Much Going On, here is a lovely little meme for you.
"Getting to Know You"
1. What is your occupation? Web producer and content writer
2. What are you listening to right now? My own typing skills and the hum of a flourescent light
3. What are you wearing right now? Red floral tank top, red capri pants
4. What was the last thing you ate? Wheat bagel with light cream cheese and peach salsa, yum.
5. Do you wish on stars? YES
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? I can't decide. RED, or Spring Green
7. How is the weather right now? Haven't been out yet but I bet it's hot and humid
8. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Probably my husband
9. Where would you go right now, if you could go anywhere? Bed.
10. How old are you today? 31
11. Favorite drink? Coca-Cola classic over ice
12. What is your favorite sport? Um, reading? I guess baseball, in terms of general sports. I also like the girly ones like gymnastics.
13. Have you ever dyed your hair? Highlighted, yes
14. Do you wear contacts? Nope
15. Pets? Napoleon, lab-chow mix
16. Favorite month? December
17. Favorite food? Pizza or Mexican (how many times have I answered that question the exact same way??)
18. What was the last movie you watched? "Must Love Dogs"
19. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Day
20. What do you do to vent anger? Whine aloud to whomever is standing closest. Write in blog. Call sister.
21 What was your favorite toy as a child? It depends on the year... Fashion Plates ranked pretty high up...my diary wasn't really a toy but I spent a lot of time with it... I guess dolls, in general. Ooh, and my chalkboard! Won it in a "toy walk" at the city "Jubiliee" one year and adored that thing! Subjected my sister to MANY games of "School" where I was the teacher (and thus, the only one who got to use the chalkboard)!
22. Fall or Spring? Fall
23. Hugs or kisses? Hugs
24. Cherry or Blueberry? Cherry
25. Living arrangements? House (3br/2ba) in a subdivision in a suburb
26. When was the last time you cried? Last time I had PMS! No wait, yesterday, watching AJ play (he was so cute and it just got to me, all of a sudden. And maybe there was some sappy commercial on at the same time...*embarrassed shrug*)
27. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes, a couple of baseball caps, shoe boxes
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest? My sister
29. What did you do last night? Made dinner, played with AJ, cleaned up the kitchen, read a magazine, watched Anthony Bourdain's new show
30. Favorite smell? just-bathed AJ
31. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
32. How many states have you lived in? 3 = TX, FL, GA
33. How many cities have you lived in? Are we counting suburbs? Then, 6. Hereford Tx, Pensacola, Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, and Paris ("lived" there for 6 weeks)
34. How did you meet your mate? At work
35. What person has inspired you the most in your life? Such a hard question. I guess, at one time, my friend Jenny inspired me a whole lot. She was very vibrant, a couple of years older than me, and I adored her. She helped me "find" my personality, I think (this was when I was a teen). Or if not that, she brought out a side of my personality that wasn't known to me -- my silly, extroverted, make-a-fool-of-myself and do-unexpected-things side. We had the best times together, doing anything from reading poetry to tap-dancing to having rainy-afternoon picnics to just driving around, or giggling like crazy while we brushed our teeth. Ah, to be young! We lost touch after college and since then, have communicated sporadically, but our lives aren't very similar anymore. She stayed in theater and played the lead roles and the quirky ones, and I moved more inside myself, started singing choral music and thus becoming more "unseen," as a blended voice rather than a stand-out. Funny how our hobbies mirrored our personalities a bit. Last time we were together we were clearly on two different planes. But I treasure what she meant to me, and how we inspired each other.
Hey, feel free to play along if you've read all the way to the end (and if you're bored like I was)!
Monday, August 22
On the Side
Headline homage to The Amateur Gourmet
...but having nothing to do with food...
We got an estimate from the siding guy. Only $5900 to re-side the front and stage-right side of our house, in vinyl. We currently have a "composite" wood siding, which Siding Guy told us was not much more than compressed sawdust. You can read all about the many class action lawsuits against this kind of siding. Sadly, the statue of limitations has long since passed so we won't be getting any money for it. Which I'm sorta glad about -- the hassle of figuring THAT out would've driven me out of my gourd. Anyhoo, won't it be fun to spend six thousand bucks on vinyl siding?! Once this year, and again next year for the back and stage-left? I can hardly wait.
I went to see a movie on Friday night with a girlfriend. We had a good time and the movie "Must Love Dogs," was exceptionally girly. Not particularly good, but watchable. I adore Diane Lane. And who doesn't adore John Cusak? After "Say Anything," he can do no wrong in my eyes, and if anyone from my generation disagrees, I'd be interested to know about it. I can't imagine. He'll forever be stamped "Romantic Ideal" if you ask me. Which is why, I suppose, he chose to do this sickeningly romantic "post-divorce love story." Even as he gets older, (and fatter), his character's still got that charm and sensibility. Perhaps the same character every time, naysayers might cry? Probably, but this does not matter. Predictable? Yes. He gets the girl in the end? Yes. He blathers on "philosophically" in run-on sentences about kickboxing? No, he blathers about rowing in this one. But we don't care! We love ya anyway, Johnny C. The outing was just what I needed. The ice cream, I did not need. But it was tasty!
...but having nothing to do with food...
We got an estimate from the siding guy. Only $5900 to re-side the front and stage-right side of our house, in vinyl. We currently have a "composite" wood siding, which Siding Guy told us was not much more than compressed sawdust. You can read all about the many class action lawsuits against this kind of siding. Sadly, the statue of limitations has long since passed so we won't be getting any money for it. Which I'm sorta glad about -- the hassle of figuring THAT out would've driven me out of my gourd. Anyhoo, won't it be fun to spend six thousand bucks on vinyl siding?! Once this year, and again next year for the back and stage-left? I can hardly wait.
I went to see a movie on Friday night with a girlfriend. We had a good time and the movie "Must Love Dogs," was exceptionally girly. Not particularly good, but watchable. I adore Diane Lane. And who doesn't adore John Cusak? After "Say Anything," he can do no wrong in my eyes, and if anyone from my generation disagrees, I'd be interested to know about it. I can't imagine. He'll forever be stamped "Romantic Ideal" if you ask me. Which is why, I suppose, he chose to do this sickeningly romantic "post-divorce love story." Even as he gets older, (and fatter), his character's still got that charm and sensibility. Perhaps the same character every time, naysayers might cry? Probably, but this does not matter. Predictable? Yes. He gets the girl in the end? Yes. He blathers on "philosophically" in run-on sentences about kickboxing? No, he blathers about rowing in this one. But we don't care! We love ya anyway, Johnny C. The outing was just what I needed. The ice cream, I did not need. But it was tasty!
Friday, August 19
A veggie tale
Or, My Kid Eats Meat.
My darling child, no matter what I do, will not eat a vegetable unless it is a green bean. I have exhausted myself to try to figure out how to serve other vessels of vitamins and minerals so that he will think, "Delicious! Give me more!!" So far, it hasn't happened. Ketchup doesn't help. Cheese doesn't help. Butter and brown sugar (on carrots) doesn't help. Zesty Italian dressing, no (come on! It's Zesty!!). Ranch dressing, no. Disguising vegetables in vanilla yogurt, no (although it did work, back when he was too young to know better). I've tried broccoli, carrots, peas, Veg*All, creamed corn (yummy!), avacado, asparagus, zucchini, cucumber... all the baby-friendly veggies I can think of. I haven't tried spinach yet but he wouldn't even eat that out of the baby food jar. I fear no good would come of it.
I am about to have a cow. So to speak. (But dangit, he'll EAT cow.)
It's soooo frustrating to KNOW that toddlers can take a while to warm up to a food, and therefore, you have to try it many zillions of times before they might eat it. So instead, I keep trying NEW ones, all the while continuing to try the same old ones, and nothing works. I've been reading about how to disguise veggies in chili, spaghetti sauce, etc... but I want him to love vegetables for the pure love of them! I mean, who can resist a cool cucumber on a summer afternoon? The crrrrunch! of a bell pepper? The wascally wabbit's favorite carrot?? Perhaps, I'll admit, he's a bit young for that kind of gourmet sensibility, but I mean -- butter and brown sugar? How does one not love that?!
Of course he's also very adept at dropping vegetables onto the floor for the dog. He can even announce that he's about to do it, with his adorable, almost inaudible "Uh-ohhh." Deliver me from the constant cuteness!
Green beans it is, I guess, until I can figure this out. He is absolutely going to turn in to a green bean. Or... I've heard there is such a thing as a "Veggie Stick." In the frozen foods aisle. Not too sure how "real" that kind of veggie is, but it may serve us well until he's oh, fifteen, and can appreciate a good raw biome.
My darling child, no matter what I do, will not eat a vegetable unless it is a green bean. I have exhausted myself to try to figure out how to serve other vessels of vitamins and minerals so that he will think, "Delicious! Give me more!!" So far, it hasn't happened. Ketchup doesn't help. Cheese doesn't help. Butter and brown sugar (on carrots) doesn't help. Zesty Italian dressing, no (come on! It's Zesty!!). Ranch dressing, no. Disguising vegetables in vanilla yogurt, no (although it did work, back when he was too young to know better). I've tried broccoli, carrots, peas, Veg*All, creamed corn (yummy!), avacado, asparagus, zucchini, cucumber... all the baby-friendly veggies I can think of. I haven't tried spinach yet but he wouldn't even eat that out of the baby food jar. I fear no good would come of it.
I am about to have a cow. So to speak. (But dangit, he'll EAT cow.)
It's soooo frustrating to KNOW that toddlers can take a while to warm up to a food, and therefore, you have to try it many zillions of times before they might eat it. So instead, I keep trying NEW ones, all the while continuing to try the same old ones, and nothing works. I've been reading about how to disguise veggies in chili, spaghetti sauce, etc... but I want him to love vegetables for the pure love of them! I mean, who can resist a cool cucumber on a summer afternoon? The crrrrunch! of a bell pepper? The wascally wabbit's favorite carrot?? Perhaps, I'll admit, he's a bit young for that kind of gourmet sensibility, but I mean -- butter and brown sugar? How does one not love that?!
Of course he's also very adept at dropping vegetables onto the floor for the dog. He can even announce that he's about to do it, with his adorable, almost inaudible "Uh-ohhh." Deliver me from the constant cuteness!
Green beans it is, I guess, until I can figure this out. He is absolutely going to turn in to a green bean. Or... I've heard there is such a thing as a "Veggie Stick." In the frozen foods aisle. Not too sure how "real" that kind of veggie is, but it may serve us well until he's oh, fifteen, and can appreciate a good raw biome.
Wednesday, August 17
Why it's great to be a Mommy:
Because, when you forget that you have an 8:00 am dentist appointment and make your coffee in the programmable coffee pot the night before, but you can't drink it in the morning before the appointment (natch, and ewww), you can keep it warm in the car while you drive to the dentist's office using your Handy Bottle Warming Device! (And even though your baby has totally outgrown needing his bottle warmed, you're too tired and forgetful and busy (being a Mommy) to have removed that device months ago -- it's still conveniently packed in the backseat pocket.) :)
Monday, August 15
It came! It came!
My latest amazon purchase arrived today! Containing this:
Awesome Children's CD No. 1
and this:
Awesome Children's CD No. 2
I am like a kid at Christmas hopping around and dancing in my living room. :)
AJ seems to like kinda like 'em, too.
Awesome Children's CD No. 1
and this:
Awesome Children's CD No. 2
I am like a kid at Christmas hopping around and dancing in my living room. :)
AJ seems to like kinda like 'em, too.
Aww, man
One of my favorite pals is quitting her blog. I am bummed about this because it's a good blog. It was the reason I decided I wanted one. She's a talented writer and I will miss learning from her way with words. She always seems to pinpoint the exact thoughts in her head with the perfect phrase, and it's never pithy or cliche.
She has her reasons, and they're valid. The powerful, friendly Internet has a sinister side, too, whereby friends (or enemies) interpret the written word in a manner most unlike what the writer intended. This happened recently in a string of emails from my parish's former choir director to the new choir director. If you can believe this, name-calling was exchanged between them, and of course those who were CC'd had to jump in to defend, or to add their rude commentary, too. It was all based on somebody's memo-gone-awry. So feelings were hurt, (immaturities proven), and a whole bunch of unbecoming DRAMA ensued. It blew over (after a priest who was CC'd chimed in with quite a reprimand), but it's an illustration of what can happen when our lives, and our dashed-off notes, are chronicled, passed around, filed away, and read and re-read. There's a term I've learned that also applies -- "assvice." I love when people preface their blog comments with "I have this assvice to give:" As if they know they're providing something without being asked, and that they will be seen as jerks for doing so. But... sometimes people don't preface. Anyway, I'm sorry for my friend. She seems sad to bid goodbye to a whole part of herself. But sometimes you just have to make a clean break and forget it.
She has her reasons, and they're valid. The powerful, friendly Internet has a sinister side, too, whereby friends (or enemies) interpret the written word in a manner most unlike what the writer intended. This happened recently in a string of emails from my parish's former choir director to the new choir director. If you can believe this, name-calling was exchanged between them, and of course those who were CC'd had to jump in to defend, or to add their rude commentary, too. It was all based on somebody's memo-gone-awry. So feelings were hurt, (immaturities proven), and a whole bunch of unbecoming DRAMA ensued. It blew over (after a priest who was CC'd chimed in with quite a reprimand), but it's an illustration of what can happen when our lives, and our dashed-off notes, are chronicled, passed around, filed away, and read and re-read. There's a term I've learned that also applies -- "assvice." I love when people preface their blog comments with "I have this assvice to give:" As if they know they're providing something without being asked, and that they will be seen as jerks for doing so. But... sometimes people don't preface. Anyway, I'm sorry for my friend. She seems sad to bid goodbye to a whole part of herself. But sometimes you just have to make a clean break and forget it.
Friday, August 12
Welcome, the Idiot Box
I am guilty: I watched the Teletubbies yesterday with AJ. He is finally starting to notice the television, much to my dismay, but I know that's a developmental milestone, too, so I guess it's good as long as we keep it on PBS or Disney, and not on the video game channel. At first I thought, "Whoa, maybe all the research is right, and kids really do like these (wacked-out, drug-induced) Teletubbie guys," because AJ was mezmerized by their weird little talking and the Baby-Head sunshine thing. He even danced once or twice with the music, and smiled and pointed. But every once in a while, he was obviously weirded out (as was I), because he'd let out a little whimper and screw up his face just the tiniest bit. So I think they're weird. I may not watch them again.
I will, however, let him watch Sesame Street, which he seems to be enjoying more and more, and buy him the Cookie Monster CD that DH and I have been craving for months now (we LOVE "If me knew you were coming, me'd have baked a cake." Now that is Classic Cookie). I will also let him watch "Clifford the Big Red Dog," because it is so funny to watch him "barking" at all the other dogs on that show. He stood there yesterday and went, "AAh.... Aah.... Aah.... Aah!" in rapid-fire succession. Which is cute because he doesn't ever "bark" at Napoleon, he just pants. But these dogs apparently needed a Talking To.
I will, however, let him watch Sesame Street, which he seems to be enjoying more and more, and buy him the Cookie Monster CD that DH and I have been craving for months now (we LOVE "If me knew you were coming, me'd have baked a cake." Now that is Classic Cookie). I will also let him watch "Clifford the Big Red Dog," because it is so funny to watch him "barking" at all the other dogs on that show. He stood there yesterday and went, "AAh.... Aah.... Aah.... Aah!" in rapid-fire succession. Which is cute because he doesn't ever "bark" at Napoleon, he just pants. But these dogs apparently needed a Talking To.
Thursday, August 11
In the details.
This is long and has Bible quotes. You've been warned.
I have had a very big lack of faith-practice lately. And I don't just mean not going to church, although that has been a problem in and of itself since I was in college. I just don't really go unless a) I'm at home with my parents, or b) I'm bound by a choir gig. The Catholic "Sunday Obligation" isn't enough for me, I guess; I need a calendar-specific reason. So, I've been on the schedule as a cantor the last 2 weekends, but before that (and not including my sister's wedding Mass), I have just slacked about church this summer. It doesn't help that AJ is in a very squirmy stage and I'm using it as an excuse, nor that DH, for all his good intentions, doesn't really like the process of getting all dressed up and going to church -- he feels like it's interrupting his only relax-time on the weekend, i.e., he gets all dressed up 5 days a week for work. And I respect that. He works hard. It's okay to want 2 days off. So ANYWAY, this post isn't really supposed to be about that. (And here's where I have to throw in an apology to my Mom because I don't know that I've ever admitted outright to her that I don't attend church every week. Surely she knows that, though. Right? Shirley. Sorry, Mom.)
What this post is about is the very wide absence of any spiritual awareness in my life lately. I mean, usually I can see around me all the good things that are of God -- the breeze that cools me, the good fact that I have a job, even when I'm feeling down about it, the real love that I feel for Husband and AJ, and that LOVE = GOD, and there you go. Usually, I spend more time thinking on those things. Lately? Nothing. I'm wandering around without a compass, I guess. I don't read the Bible (cradle Catholic, I told you), I don't do daily devotionals, I don't even read Beliefnet anymore. I think part of it is that I'm just totally distracted by this child-raising thing. I mean, you parents know it is a CONSTANT activity -- one never gets a chance to NOT think about the child. To ignore him for a while. I know, I know, take time for yourself and blah blah blah... but it never really includes reflective time. If I do that, I want to read a book or get a massage or do some shopping. Or, you know, if I was feeling motivated, I'd workout. (HA.) Don't misunderstand, I am keenly aware, every time I look at AJ, that he is an extremely precious gift from God and my part in helping to create him is nothing short of a miracle. The fact that God would trust me with such a responsibility is pretty mind-blowing.... but my mind stays pretty much blown with "What am I going to feed the kid for dinner THIS time (turkey dogs and green beans, again)?"
So it struck me on Sunday, when I was sitting at church in the cantor's seat, trying NOT to listen to the reading -- trying, instead, to practice the next song in my head -- that all of a sudden God was finding a way to poke at me and say, "HEY! Listen up, you. Pay attention." He is very good at this, in my experience. It's all in the littlest things -- God is in the details, as they say. First reading: 1 Kings 19: (excerpt)
Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter.
Then the LORD said to him,
"Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD;
the LORD will be passing by."
...but the LORD was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake--
but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake there was fire--
but the LORD was not in the fire.
After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.
Ahem. [God's booming voice, whispering:] "I am here. But I whisper. You have to work a bit harder to hear Me."
Second reading, which called me right out: Romans 9:1-5: ...my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.
[me looking around] Who, me?? This is precisely it. I am kinda sorrowful and anguished lately, faith-wise. And obviously cutting myself off from Christ. (Or, at least from the Church, which is sometimes of Christ and sometimes... well, that's a whole other topic.) Hmph. Alright, what about the Gospel reading? Surely three in a row won't be so dang personal. And then...
[as God chuckled:] Matthew 14:
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them walking on the sea...
Peter said to him..."Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter,
and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Ummm. Okay, wow. By this time I had hastily pulled out my hymnal to make sure they were reading the right ones for this week. "Ye of little faith." So you see? It's in the details and perhaps if I turn my mind toward them and pay better attention, I can get my spirit back.
There were other things, I think, the rest of that day. I can't remember them all now, but things like when I went into church, it was raining and gray, and so was my mood (childish bad attitude about having to be at church when I didn't wanna)... but when we came out, after all that revelation during the readings, hmm, surprise, the sun was shining again. And see? I think of that as significant. Or, at least, illustrative. Another way of God trying to say "You see what I can do? I can turn things back around if you'll just NOTICE."
So. I'm trying to be better about keeping my eyes open. Oh yeah, and my heart. I'm still not 100% there yet. But that's another thing I realized... that I think it's OKAY. This is the way the path has turned for the moment, and I'm still walking. And it may be this way for some time to come. Maybe I'm only going to get small inklings of God right now. He gives us what we can handle.
I have had a very big lack of faith-practice lately. And I don't just mean not going to church, although that has been a problem in and of itself since I was in college. I just don't really go unless a) I'm at home with my parents, or b) I'm bound by a choir gig. The Catholic "Sunday Obligation" isn't enough for me, I guess; I need a calendar-specific reason. So, I've been on the schedule as a cantor the last 2 weekends, but before that (and not including my sister's wedding Mass), I have just slacked about church this summer. It doesn't help that AJ is in a very squirmy stage and I'm using it as an excuse, nor that DH, for all his good intentions, doesn't really like the process of getting all dressed up and going to church -- he feels like it's interrupting his only relax-time on the weekend, i.e., he gets all dressed up 5 days a week for work. And I respect that. He works hard. It's okay to want 2 days off. So ANYWAY, this post isn't really supposed to be about that. (And here's where I have to throw in an apology to my Mom because I don't know that I've ever admitted outright to her that I don't attend church every week. Surely she knows that, though. Right? Shirley. Sorry, Mom.)
What this post is about is the very wide absence of any spiritual awareness in my life lately. I mean, usually I can see around me all the good things that are of God -- the breeze that cools me, the good fact that I have a job, even when I'm feeling down about it, the real love that I feel for Husband and AJ, and that LOVE = GOD, and there you go. Usually, I spend more time thinking on those things. Lately? Nothing. I'm wandering around without a compass, I guess. I don't read the Bible (cradle Catholic, I told you), I don't do daily devotionals, I don't even read Beliefnet anymore. I think part of it is that I'm just totally distracted by this child-raising thing. I mean, you parents know it is a CONSTANT activity -- one never gets a chance to NOT think about the child. To ignore him for a while. I know, I know, take time for yourself and blah blah blah... but it never really includes reflective time. If I do that, I want to read a book or get a massage or do some shopping. Or, you know, if I was feeling motivated, I'd workout. (HA.) Don't misunderstand, I am keenly aware, every time I look at AJ, that he is an extremely precious gift from God and my part in helping to create him is nothing short of a miracle. The fact that God would trust me with such a responsibility is pretty mind-blowing.... but my mind stays pretty much blown with "What am I going to feed the kid for dinner THIS time (turkey dogs and green beans, again)?"
So it struck me on Sunday, when I was sitting at church in the cantor's seat, trying NOT to listen to the reading -- trying, instead, to practice the next song in my head -- that all of a sudden God was finding a way to poke at me and say, "HEY! Listen up, you. Pay attention." He is very good at this, in my experience. It's all in the littlest things -- God is in the details, as they say. First reading: 1 Kings 19: (excerpt)
Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter.
Then the LORD said to him,
"Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD;
the LORD will be passing by."
...but the LORD was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake--
but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake there was fire--
but the LORD was not in the fire.
After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.
Ahem. [God's booming voice, whispering:] "I am here. But I whisper. You have to work a bit harder to hear Me."
Second reading, which called me right out: Romans 9:1-5: ...my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.
[me looking around] Who, me?? This is precisely it. I am kinda sorrowful and anguished lately, faith-wise. And obviously cutting myself off from Christ. (Or, at least from the Church, which is sometimes of Christ and sometimes... well, that's a whole other topic.) Hmph. Alright, what about the Gospel reading? Surely three in a row won't be so dang personal. And then...
[as God chuckled:] Matthew 14:
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them walking on the sea...
Peter said to him..."Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter,
and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Ummm. Okay, wow. By this time I had hastily pulled out my hymnal to make sure they were reading the right ones for this week. "Ye of little faith." So you see? It's in the details and perhaps if I turn my mind toward them and pay better attention, I can get my spirit back.
There were other things, I think, the rest of that day. I can't remember them all now, but things like when I went into church, it was raining and gray, and so was my mood (childish bad attitude about having to be at church when I didn't wanna)... but when we came out, after all that revelation during the readings, hmm, surprise, the sun was shining again. And see? I think of that as significant. Or, at least, illustrative. Another way of God trying to say "You see what I can do? I can turn things back around if you'll just NOTICE."
So. I'm trying to be better about keeping my eyes open. Oh yeah, and my heart. I'm still not 100% there yet. But that's another thing I realized... that I think it's OKAY. This is the way the path has turned for the moment, and I'm still walking. And it may be this way for some time to come. Maybe I'm only going to get small inklings of God right now. He gives us what we can handle.
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