Ice should last longer than whatever beverage it is trying to keep cold.
Chewing with one's mouth closed is a good idea.
Some days being in front of a computer all day long is almost as bad as being attacked by fire ants.
Monday is a bad day to start a new goal.
Sunday is a good day for a nap.
It is possible to learn about how to be a better person from reading a book about a serial killer. Don't judge.
Reality TV is an addiction. And a curse. And strangely fascinating sometimes. You can fish crab in the Bering sea, be stranded on an island, and bake cupcakes all in an afternoon.
Soda is not a gateway drug. Or created by conspiring men to take over my soul.
Iceberg lettuce doesn't have the same chemical properties as marijuana when dried and smoked. If it did, the criminal element would be growing legal fields of lettuce.
Propaganda is used by all kinds of people in all kinds of situations. I have a hard time believing any of it.
It is possible to like demolition derbies and Broadway plays.
Creating a list of opinions is not getting my work done. (This one is actually a fact.)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Trying to Love
At the beginning of the year I decided on one word that would be the focus in my life and my goals this year. I picked the word love. I was attracted to the idea of finding and appreciating love that is in my life and all of the different facets of something that is such a universal emotion.
Even though I haven't posted much about this, there has been a lot of thought. Ponderings. Attempts at increasing love, appreciating love, and understanding love. More about all of those another day.
Today my question is how do I learn to love someone when I don't like them very much? Because I believe we are all part of the same human family, I think I have a vested interest in trying to find the part of someone that is worthy of love and appreciation. Don't get me wrong - there are a lot of people in the world who do awful things. I don't believe in being naive about situations or even individuals. But I do think that on some level, I ought to be able to respect every person I meet or know because I think they are my brother or sister.
But how do you accomplish this if someone is less-than-likable? Especially if you are in that person's presence on a regular basis and can't really try the absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder approach? I'm still working on this one.
Even though I haven't posted much about this, there has been a lot of thought. Ponderings. Attempts at increasing love, appreciating love, and understanding love. More about all of those another day.
Today my question is how do I learn to love someone when I don't like them very much? Because I believe we are all part of the same human family, I think I have a vested interest in trying to find the part of someone that is worthy of love and appreciation. Don't get me wrong - there are a lot of people in the world who do awful things. I don't believe in being naive about situations or even individuals. But I do think that on some level, I ought to be able to respect every person I meet or know because I think they are my brother or sister.
But how do you accomplish this if someone is less-than-likable? Especially if you are in that person's presence on a regular basis and can't really try the absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder approach? I'm still working on this one.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Stuff that Didn't Happen (For Which I'm Grateful)
Some days are defined by the wonderful things that happen. This is not that day. Today my day is fantastic because of what DIDN'T happen.
- My hair did not get caught in a mouse trap.
- The cops did not pull me over.
- I did not drop a screw in my eye.
- Poppy seeds did not get caught in my teeth.
- My city has not been over-run by zombies.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Happenings
Apparently I have posted too many pictures on my blog. It gives me a little warning that I have run out of space. So that means this post has absolutely zero pictures until I figure out what to do about that situation.
Fortunately, I am okay with the rambling monologues. I think I can fill in with words in the mean time.
I think one of the universal occurrences in every person's life - at least those of the female variety - is an occasional question of whether we are in the right place, doing the right things, at the right times. Or doing enough of the right things in the right places at the right times. I could probably be raising 10 perfect children in a perfect house while running a global non-profit organization to help abandoned animals, orphans, and victims of natural disasters. This would be at the same time that I was a perfect wife for my perfect husband in the most amazing neighborhood where we were on a first-name basis with every person within 5 blocks. I would simultaneously be working on my second doctorate in astrophysics with a minor in global peace and writing weekly letters to every member of my extended family complete with photos and personalized cards on every major (and minor) holiday. And if I managed all of that, I'm sure I would still feel like I wasn't doing enough. True story! So in my considerably less spectacular life, it should come as no surprise that I have moments and days when I struggle with the idea that my efforts to make a difference in my modest sphere are insufficient.
Some people are good at seeing through the completely dishonest answers of "I'm good! I'm fine!" And I had one such friend stop by this week. The chipper "I'm great" didn't really cut it for her, and she paused in her day to take time to give me a hug and let me know it is all right not to be completely perfect and happy all the time. It is hard to tell someone how much these small moments can mean. They mean so, so, so much!
The next day, another neighbor sent her daughter over with cookies because I am occasionally sarcastic and it made her laugh. Who says Facebook doesn't foster good things??
Today in church three people mentioned me by name as helping them at one time or another. It was humbling.
I feel blessed. I do believe Someone is watching over me, who knows what I need and when I need it. This was one of those weeks when I felt those hands lift me up and let me know I am loved.
Fortunately, I am okay with the rambling monologues. I think I can fill in with words in the mean time.
I think one of the universal occurrences in every person's life - at least those of the female variety - is an occasional question of whether we are in the right place, doing the right things, at the right times. Or doing enough of the right things in the right places at the right times. I could probably be raising 10 perfect children in a perfect house while running a global non-profit organization to help abandoned animals, orphans, and victims of natural disasters. This would be at the same time that I was a perfect wife for my perfect husband in the most amazing neighborhood where we were on a first-name basis with every person within 5 blocks. I would simultaneously be working on my second doctorate in astrophysics with a minor in global peace and writing weekly letters to every member of my extended family complete with photos and personalized cards on every major (and minor) holiday. And if I managed all of that, I'm sure I would still feel like I wasn't doing enough. True story! So in my considerably less spectacular life, it should come as no surprise that I have moments and days when I struggle with the idea that my efforts to make a difference in my modest sphere are insufficient.
Some people are good at seeing through the completely dishonest answers of "I'm good! I'm fine!" And I had one such friend stop by this week. The chipper "I'm great" didn't really cut it for her, and she paused in her day to take time to give me a hug and let me know it is all right not to be completely perfect and happy all the time. It is hard to tell someone how much these small moments can mean. They mean so, so, so much!
The next day, another neighbor sent her daughter over with cookies because I am occasionally sarcastic and it made her laugh. Who says Facebook doesn't foster good things??
Today in church three people mentioned me by name as helping them at one time or another. It was humbling.
I feel blessed. I do believe Someone is watching over me, who knows what I need and when I need it. This was one of those weeks when I felt those hands lift me up and let me know I am loved.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
A Piece of Perfection
My belly is full. I enjoyed a wonderful meal with loved ones.
I am snuggled on the couch with a good book, and I can see the rain streaming down the windows and hear it beating cadence on the roof.
And my tulips are blooming.
Does life get any better than this?
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Conference Is Coming
This coming weekend is General Conference. I get excited for conference. Every six months all the leaders of the LDS church come together and we get to listen to addresses on all sorts of topics from welfare to faith and charity. I love conference!
I know I am not supposed to have favorites, but Jeffrey R. Holland is one of my favorites.
Aside from listening to the awesome talks from men and women I admire, there are a few other things I like about this time of year.
Spring is finally here. That means there is a little more of this...
And a little less of this...
I know I am not supposed to have favorites, but Jeffrey R. Holland is one of my favorites.
Aside from listening to the awesome talks from men and women I admire, there are a few other things I like about this time of year.
Spring is finally here. That means there is a little more of this...
And a little less of this...
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Stuff You Can Find at My House
Water Bottles: You have to keep your eye on these. They can multiply. And you know it's bad when you walk by the isle in the grocery store and you stop and look every time. Walk away! When you have enough to use 3 a day - per person in the house - and still only have to wash them once a week...you might have enough already. If I start a support group for addicts I'll let you know.
Kleenex: It's in almost every room. I can't explain it. They get used. We either have really bad allergies or we laugh a lot or we cry a lot. I can't tell you more because that would spoil all the fun.
BBC Dramas: Bleak House. Sense and Sensibility. He Knew He Was Right. Pride and Prejudice. Emma. North and South. Wives and Daughters. I could go on. It never occurred to me how much of these consist of just talking until I was watching one with my brother and he finally burst out (around hour 3) "When is something going to HAPPEN!?" I give him credit for sticking around that long waiting for the action to start.
Nicholas Sparks books and/or Movies: This is a compromise. Which you do when you love folks. In my world, they would be banned. But I am willing to give them a spot on the shelf because they are loved by others. I just can't seem to get to the point where I understand the point of a plot where two people fall in love only to be tragically separated by some twist of fate. Give me a good Shakespeare tragedy for that where I can point to the mortal flaw in a good protagonist as the reason for a sad ending. Romeo and Juliet anyone?
Bucket-o-Toys: This might seem odd for a house full of single girls. But we are all aunts. And we adore the little munchkins of our neighbors and friends. So we keep toys and books and dolls and cars on hand for any of the short folk who might come to visit.
Kleenex: It's in almost every room. I can't explain it. They get used. We either have really bad allergies or we laugh a lot or we cry a lot. I can't tell you more because that would spoil all the fun.
BBC Dramas: Bleak House. Sense and Sensibility. He Knew He Was Right. Pride and Prejudice. Emma. North and South. Wives and Daughters. I could go on. It never occurred to me how much of these consist of just talking until I was watching one with my brother and he finally burst out (around hour 3) "When is something going to HAPPEN!?" I give him credit for sticking around that long waiting for the action to start.
Nicholas Sparks books and/or Movies: This is a compromise. Which you do when you love folks. In my world, they would be banned. But I am willing to give them a spot on the shelf because they are loved by others. I just can't seem to get to the point where I understand the point of a plot where two people fall in love only to be tragically separated by some twist of fate. Give me a good Shakespeare tragedy for that where I can point to the mortal flaw in a good protagonist as the reason for a sad ending. Romeo and Juliet anyone?
Bucket-o-Toys: This might seem odd for a house full of single girls. But we are all aunts. And we adore the little munchkins of our neighbors and friends. So we keep toys and books and dolls and cars on hand for any of the short folk who might come to visit.
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