I've been gone for a long time.
I'm thinking of returning. I've been inspired by another Catholic blogger but I won't hold myself to that standard of good writing.
Why return? I need a hobby from going insane. The kind of insane that can only be caused by children, daily craziness, and a world which I don't even understand anymore.
Time to buckle up.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Monday, May 05, 2014
Social Media - Not very social at all
Dear friends,
A couple of months ago I realized that my little baby was smiling at me and I was looking at my phone. Since then I’ve been reading and thinking a lot about the social isolation of “social media” and the online persona. I’ve been trying to limit my time in front of the screen – sometimes successfully, sometimes not.
Being online can help our businesses, organizations and keep up in close contact with our families. When does it become a distraction? When does it keep us away from people? When do we use it as an excuse to avoid the social complexities of life?
This video illustrates this issue well and I wanted to share it with you.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
First week of Advent...A New Day in the New Liturgical Year.
Today I listened to a song that I just LOVE.
My husband first played this song for me when we were engaged.
Tonight I listened to the words, really TRULY listened with my ears and my heart.
I want to share the song and lyrics because they remind me of the reason for the Advent/Christmas season.
Enjoy.
You Are the New Day - King Singers
You are the new day,
You are the new day.
Meekness, love, humility
Come down to us this day:
Christ, your birth has proved to me
You are the new day.
Quiet in a stall you lie,
Angels watching in the sky
Whisper to you from on high:
“You are the new day.”
When our light is darkest night,
Hope has burned away,
Love, your ray of guiding light,
Show us the new day.
Love of all things great and small,
Leaving none, embracing all,
Fold around me where I fall,
Bring in the new day.
This new day will be a turning point
For every one,
If we let the Christ-child in
And reach for the new day.
Christ, the Way, the Truth, the Life,
Healing sadness, ending strife,
You we welcome, Lord of life.
Born on a new day,
You are the new day.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Been a Long Time
Wow - it has been a really, really long time since my last posts. I'm thinking about restarting the blog since my life has changed so much.
My daughter is now 12.
My son is almost 9.
And we have a new baby - and she is almost 7 months.
My journey has changed.
My faith has been a struggle at times, in the last few years, but I'm trying very hard now.
Thanks be to God that I have my constant companion, best friend and husband to help me through navigate rough waters and storms.
I will admit that I have turned to social media for comfort and distraction - something I am working on. I feel as though my blog writing will help me keep my record - without looking to sites to validate or distract me. Only the Lord knows how distracted I am already.
Who knows - maybe I will forget to write more and come and visit my blog in another few years. :)
Sigh...
Here we go...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Four Eyes are Better than Two...
Isabella sat in the chair at the Optometrist and looked so small, her little legs dangling off the large chair.
I watched her take direction from the doctor and she was listening to the instructions so carefully.
Then she wanted to pick out glasses that wouldn’t make her look like a baby. She put them on and looked much older to me. What a lovely and smart little girl, but definitely not a baby.
It is amazing what a pair of glasses did for the both of us.
They helped her to see a world which has been blurry as of late.
They helped me see that she is growing up.
I watched her take direction from the doctor and she was listening to the instructions so carefully.
Then she wanted to pick out glasses that wouldn’t make her look like a baby. She put them on and looked much older to me. What a lovely and smart little girl, but definitely not a baby.
It is amazing what a pair of glasses did for the both of us.
They helped her to see a world which has been blurry as of late.
They helped me see that she is growing up.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Olympics 2008...
My 6 year old begged us to watch the opening of the Olympics in Beijing.
We sat in front of the television and stared at the pageantry involved in the opening ceremonies.
We marveled at the Chinese children carrying the Chinese flag into the stadium. Well I did until the children handed it off to the soldiers who took it with robotic precision and expressionless faces. This is the China I think of and it makes me sad, deeply sad, to the bottom of my soul.
To me this simple action, children handing the flag to the military represented to me the children that are systematically killed / prevented by the Communist government of China. And I can’t bear to think of all the couples who are forcibly sterilized due to their one child per family laws.
While others may be able to celebrate the Olympics being held in China, I just can’t.
I can’t ignore the genocide just to acknowledge athletes…it is just too heartbreaking.
We sat in front of the television and stared at the pageantry involved in the opening ceremonies.
We marveled at the Chinese children carrying the Chinese flag into the stadium. Well I did until the children handed it off to the soldiers who took it with robotic precision and expressionless faces. This is the China I think of and it makes me sad, deeply sad, to the bottom of my soul.
To me this simple action, children handing the flag to the military represented to me the children that are systematically killed / prevented by the Communist government of China. And I can’t bear to think of all the couples who are forcibly sterilized due to their one child per family laws.
While others may be able to celebrate the Olympics being held in China, I just can’t.
I can’t ignore the genocide just to acknowledge athletes…it is just too heartbreaking.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Politics, Sex and Religion...
I am like a moth to a flame, it never fails...
At any given time I am able to put my foot in my mouth about one of these subjects at a family function, usually on a big holiday. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy having discussions but I truly think the "appropriate-meter" in my brain went kind of haywire years ago.
Politics: Usually I am complaining that I am sick of them. Oh, and by the way, I am! Whether it is the latest Zogby poll, speech or controversial issue up for vote in DC I tend to make my opinion known.
Sex: This one is a fairly safe one for me because, while I am not a prude, I still tend to be respectful of this private topic. Okay, that isn't completely true. When we discuss issues like artificial contraception, oh I get pretty hot around the collar. Oh! And when we discuss that 1 in 4 teenagers has an STD by 14 years - you bet I have an opinion about it. I guess fashion relates to sex these days. After all, clothing companies have decided to dress 14 year olds like vamps and treat parents like morons if we ask a salesgirl for a pair of jeans that aren’t ultra low-rise.
Religion: For my own good I will just say very little about this. I just can’t seem to say the right thing at the right moment. How should one react to another person when their faith is being mocked, abused or slandered? Shall we sit silent when a person is misinformed? Is it better to say nothing and keep peace or be true to our Faith and risk isolating others or unintentionally “offending” those you are conversing with?
Regardless of the topic or time I hear myself talking all while saying in my head “Dear Lord woman…Shut Up!”
The truth is, I blame my children. I have even weaker social skills because I now hang out with the juice box crowd. In addition, my social opportunities are less frequent which sets me up for perfect conditions for being conversationally-challenged.
I will try to stick with some safe topics for my next social outing:
- How to make a fantastic peanut butter and “jolly” sandwich
- Potty training: Why diapers aren’t that bad anyway
- Gender issues: When the gas light is on, how far can you risk it?
- Playing with Barbie Dolls: Innocent fun.
Wait a minute, I have to admit Barbie is much better than those disgusting trashy Bratz dolls but Barbie is no picture of innocence either. I mean seriously, talk about leading Ken on with those ridiculous outfits and wearing even more make-up as the years go by. Doesn’t she know that it will only make boys think about one thing? ….The sad thing is that I have had this discussion when I took my daughter for a playdate. I seriously need to shut up.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
One of My Favorite Photos...
This is one of my favorite photographs. It reminds me of all the special moments that my little girl and I share together. Her innocence and joy puts my day in perspective. In a world where negativity is revered, she reminds me of hope and God’s love.I love looking at her when she has no idea I am there. Sometimes she sits and reads and other times she is drawing fanciful tales of ice skating fairies. She is 6 but is determined to become an author and illustrator. (At 6 years old I didn’t know what an illustrator was.) She hugs her brother even when she doesn’t think I am watching and playfully hides under the table when it is time for a bath.
At night she climbs into our bed, knowing it only takes the mention of a cuddle to convince me to stop what I am doing. There she asks me of my favorite food, book and where I would like to travel. We play the “Which One” game: Which one would you rather be: A monkey or a dog? Which would you rather do: Swim like a dolphin or fly like a bird?
There are days when it seems so difficult, just to get through the daily grind. But then there are days when it is truly fun to be a parent. I am a blessed Mom.
This photo was taken by a wonderful couple who live in Utah.
Their website is http://www.fifephotography.com/.
(By the way, her two front teeth are now gone! Both were lost the week of Christmas.)
Spitzer Gives Women a Bad RHAPP...
New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has gone too far and we need to act before it is too late. Spitzer has proposed Bill #16 (S. 5829), Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection (RHAPP).
What does RHAPP intend to do?
I urge you to visit the website of New Yorkers for Parental Rights www.nyfpr.com
This website provides the resources you need to contact legislators and arm yourself with knowledge.
What if you don’t live in New York State? Be assured that it is only a matter of time before the ramifications of this act is felt. This piece of legislation will set a precedent for the rest of the country.
At this point I don’t care if you consider yourself pro-life or pro-choice. This bill has overstepped any bounds of reason and puts the women and children of our State in danger in the name of “Choice”.
If you are silent on this issue then you will be silent for many more years to come, Spitzer’s Bill has made sure of that.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Yes, I am still kicking...
Yes, I am still here though I have no excuse for not blogging. Granted I have been very busy with the kiddos, hubby and trying to sane...but that is no excuse.
Maybe I need a topic. Maybe I should wait for someone to actually suggest a topic besides politics. It is a subject that I can no longer deal with. Of course my other frustrations include potty training my son and trying to get my daughter to use a quiet voice instead of yelling all of her questions to me.
Shoot! I hear hubby starting evening prayer with the kiddos. Ugh...
Will return...
Maybe I need a topic. Maybe I should wait for someone to actually suggest a topic besides politics. It is a subject that I can no longer deal with. Of course my other frustrations include potty training my son and trying to get my daughter to use a quiet voice instead of yelling all of her questions to me.
Shoot! I hear hubby starting evening prayer with the kiddos. Ugh...
Will return...
Monday, July 02, 2007
Vacation Is Over....
It has been months since my last post. Shame on me.
The kids are home. Summer is here and slipping away quickly already!
I went to a conference this Saturday and it was wonderful. I can't wait to sit down and write about it!
But of course I have deadlines for work and the phone is ringing constantly.
I don't know who called these months the "Lazy Days of Summer", there is nothing lazy about it!
The kids are home. Summer is here and slipping away quickly already!
I went to a conference this Saturday and it was wonderful. I can't wait to sit down and write about it!
But of course I have deadlines for work and the phone is ringing constantly.
I don't know who called these months the "Lazy Days of Summer", there is nothing lazy about it!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Heaven in a Pot of German Dumplings...
My Grandma Shanahan used to make the best German Potato Dumplings.
God rest her soul, she was a good cook.
My sister requested a special dinner for her birthday: Pork roast and German Potato dumplings.
Doh! My heart sank. Since I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease (Gluten Intolerance=No wheat, oats, barley, etc.) I have had to give up many of my favorite foods.
However, I refused to watch my family licking their lips and digging into dumplings the size of softballs, covered with gravy and served with tender pork! So I took matter in my own hands.
With my trusted Sous Chef (my husband), we change my Great-Grandma Miller's recipe substituting wheat products for gluten-free products.
The end result? Absolute heaven!
I will try not to eat them all before our special dinner tomorrow.
Granted they aren't 100% like Grandma Shanahan's.
No one cooked like her. No one can duplicate her leaning on the cupboard stirring a pot, chatting endlessly with us. The smell of caraway seeds rose to your nose as soon as your cut open these delicious potato, bread and flour morsels. We would sit at the kitchen table devouring our meal and Grandma would bring out a hot bowl of fresh dumplings. No one could duplicate the lighthearted banter between Grandma and Grampa during a meal. "Sit down Jeanne!" "Can you get (insert item here) Jeanne?" "For God's sake Jeanne, sit down!" "Jeanne, we need more gravy". "Jeanne, could you sit down and eat already?" They were a hoot!
You may be able to substitute the wheat products but you can't substitute the love and history that Grandma put in her food.
God rest her soul, she was a good cook.
My sister requested a special dinner for her birthday: Pork roast and German Potato dumplings.
Doh! My heart sank. Since I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease (Gluten Intolerance=No wheat, oats, barley, etc.) I have had to give up many of my favorite foods.
However, I refused to watch my family licking their lips and digging into dumplings the size of softballs, covered with gravy and served with tender pork! So I took matter in my own hands.
With my trusted Sous Chef (my husband), we change my Great-Grandma Miller's recipe substituting wheat products for gluten-free products.
The end result? Absolute heaven!
I will try not to eat them all before our special dinner tomorrow.
Granted they aren't 100% like Grandma Shanahan's.
No one cooked like her. No one can duplicate her leaning on the cupboard stirring a pot, chatting endlessly with us. The smell of caraway seeds rose to your nose as soon as your cut open these delicious potato, bread and flour morsels. We would sit at the kitchen table devouring our meal and Grandma would bring out a hot bowl of fresh dumplings. No one could duplicate the lighthearted banter between Grandma and Grampa during a meal. "Sit down Jeanne!" "Can you get (insert item here) Jeanne?" "For God's sake Jeanne, sit down!" "Jeanne, we need more gravy". "Jeanne, could you sit down and eat already?" They were a hoot!
You may be able to substitute the wheat products but you can't substitute the love and history that Grandma put in her food.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Job Interview Don’ts…
I went to the mall today to pick something up for my sister. I bought a sweater for my niece, as per her request, and stopped at the mall Starbucks for a quick cup of “Joe”.
Sitting at a table, belonging to Starbucks, were two young ladies. One was maybe 21 and the other was maybe the same age or slightly younger.
I couldn’t help noticing the two of them. One had her hair pulled back neatly in a pony tail. She wore a light blue button down shirt and a pair of khakis. She held the job application in one hand, the other hand a pen. She was obviously a part of the hiring team for whichever mall store she was employed at.
The other female at the table was a stark contrast to the one running the interview. She sat in the chair across from her interviewer sitting cross-legged, or as we call it in our home “criss-cross applesauce”. She looked like she would have been more comfortable on her couch at home or maybe yoga class. She was eating a bag of chips, loudly from where I stood, and with her mouth open. Could this person be seeking a job interview with this behavior? To say it was unprofessional would be an understatement.
I was trying to wrap my mind around this scene. It was obviously a job interview but I must have been missing something.
My question is this: Do some young adults have so little respect for future employers that they present themselves in the same fashion as when around their friends? When I was a teenager I curled my hair, wore my dressy outfit and planned out my interview in my mind. Sit up straight. Don’t laugh nervously. Look my interviewer in the eye and present a firm but friendly handshake.
I called my sisters and told them about what I saw. One replied “Why do you care so much?” All I could think about was: “These are the same people managers are hiring to take care of me in the stores”.
These are the same “employees” that talk on their cell phones with friends while I have to wait to ask a question. These are the same people who wear inappropriate clothing or use language fit for a sailor, when they think a customer is not near. They talk about their nights out with their friends and proudly declare how “trashed” they got. They are the same people who complain that they have to work a 6 hour shift.
Maybe the Miss who was being interviewed was having an “off” day. One has to give others the benefit of the doubt. But nonetheless, I couldn’t believe what I saw at the mall today. It was a definite job interview “Don’t”.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
My Prayers for Today...
Dear God,
Please allow my 2 year old son to stop licking the kitchen floor, or at least wait until I wash it.
Please help me to remember to move the kid’s trains from the top of the stairs...for obvious reasons.
Please help me to put in a new roll of toilet paper before I go to bed so I am not "stuck" at 2AM.
Please help not to drop my stack of mail in the snow slush again tomorrow.
Please provide some adult conversation so I don't have "The Wiggles" theme song in my head for the majority of the day.
Please help my daughter learn that cleaning her room does not consist of throwing items behind furniture.
Please guide family members that slushy boots should not be thrown on my good black pumps.
Please help my children understand that shoving small Lego pieces in my snow boots is not funny.
Please help the drug companies understand that “child-safe” caps are not funny for many of us adults.
Please help me to remember not to leave my glasses anywhere near a tube of petroleum jelly with children around.
If all else fails, please grace me with patience, love, understanding and great fortitude.
Amen
Please allow my 2 year old son to stop licking the kitchen floor, or at least wait until I wash it.
Please help me to remember to move the kid’s trains from the top of the stairs...for obvious reasons.
Please help me to put in a new roll of toilet paper before I go to bed so I am not "stuck" at 2AM.
Please help not to drop my stack of mail in the snow slush again tomorrow.
Please provide some adult conversation so I don't have "The Wiggles" theme song in my head for the majority of the day.
Please help my daughter learn that cleaning her room does not consist of throwing items behind furniture.
Please guide family members that slushy boots should not be thrown on my good black pumps.
Please help my children understand that shoving small Lego pieces in my snow boots is not funny.
Please help the drug companies understand that “child-safe” caps are not funny for many of us adults.
Please help me to remember not to leave my glasses anywhere near a tube of petroleum jelly with children around.
If all else fails, please grace me with patience, love, understanding and great fortitude.
Amen
Thursday, February 15, 2007
STUPID PEANUT BUTTER....
Okay, if you haven't heard, there is a recall on Peter Pan Peanut Butter with product codes starting with 2111.
Link to story
My son is at the doctor right now because:
1. We have that particular lot number on our jar.
2. He has been the sole eater of this PB the last week and a half
3. He has been sick with Diarrhea and vomiting for the last 5 days, since we opened the jar.
So, what we thought may be a stomach bug may be Salmonella which I pray he does not have.
If you have this peanut butter take it back to the store. If your child is sick and has eaten this, please go to the doctor right away.
Will I ever buy this brand again? Probably not. The sight of my 2 year old this sick will always remind me of Peter Pan brand. Whether he has salmonella or not, I would rather never risk it again.
Link to story
My son is at the doctor right now because:
1. We have that particular lot number on our jar.
2. He has been the sole eater of this PB the last week and a half
3. He has been sick with Diarrhea and vomiting for the last 5 days, since we opened the jar.
So, what we thought may be a stomach bug may be Salmonella which I pray he does not have.
If you have this peanut butter take it back to the store. If your child is sick and has eaten this, please go to the doctor right away.
Will I ever buy this brand again? Probably not. The sight of my 2 year old this sick will always remind me of Peter Pan brand. Whether he has salmonella or not, I would rather never risk it again.
STUPID PEANUT BUTTER....
Okay, if you haven't heard, there is a recall on Peter Pan Peanut Butter with product codes starting with 2111.
My son is at the doctor right now because:
1. We have that particular lot number on our jar.
2. He has been the sole eater of this PB the last week and a half
3. He has been sick with Diarrhea and vomiting for the last 5 days, since we opened the jar.
So, what we thought may be a stomach bug may be Salmonella which I pray he does not have.
If you have this peanut butter take it back to the store. If your child is sick and has eaten this, please go to the doctor right away.
Will I ever buy this brand again? Probably not. The sight of my 2 year old this sick will always remind me of Peter Pan brand. Whether he has salmonella or not, I would rather never risk it again.
My son is at the doctor right now because:
1. We have that particular lot number on our jar.
2. He has been the sole eater of this PB the last week and a half
3. He has been sick with Diarrhea and vomiting for the last 5 days, since we opened the jar.
So, what we thought may be a stomach bug may be Salmonella which I pray he does not have.
If you have this peanut butter take it back to the store. If your child is sick and has eaten this, please go to the doctor right away.
Will I ever buy this brand again? Probably not. The sight of my 2 year old this sick will always remind me of Peter Pan brand. Whether he has salmonella or not, I would rather never risk it again.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day...
Well, it is the day of love.
It is also the day in which flower, jewelry and candy companies make an absolute fortune from men who are terrified of letting down their wives, girlfriends, etc. down. I swear I saw men breaking into a cold sweat at the grocery store trying to find the perfect card, from the selection which was left. And it did not seem like there was much left. A couple of sexually suggestive, borderline perverted, cards adorned the shelves next to the scattered "puppy and kitty sharing a valentine moment" cards. Yikes!
Bitter? No, truly I am not. My hubby and I quietly acknowledge the holiday with a little card and maybe some chocolates. But then again, I like chocolate anyday of the year and have gained 20 pounds since college to prove it!
But, I digress.
I think it is a lot of pressure though for people who may not have a romantic "Valentine", don't you think? Think of all the wonderful, single people out there who have to have it shoved in their faces that no one is bringing them a heart shaped box filled with 100 grams of fat!
So, to all of the single Valentines out there today... Happy Valentine's Day.
I have a positive thought for you today...
Would you have really wanted someone to bring you a stuffed panda bear holding a satin heart (hanging on by a thread) which reads "I love you beary much!"? Of course not. But then again, who am I to say?
Regardless, enjoy the day knowing that your family and friends love you very much!
It is also the day in which flower, jewelry and candy companies make an absolute fortune from men who are terrified of letting down their wives, girlfriends, etc. down. I swear I saw men breaking into a cold sweat at the grocery store trying to find the perfect card, from the selection which was left. And it did not seem like there was much left. A couple of sexually suggestive, borderline perverted, cards adorned the shelves next to the scattered "puppy and kitty sharing a valentine moment" cards. Yikes!
Bitter? No, truly I am not. My hubby and I quietly acknowledge the holiday with a little card and maybe some chocolates. But then again, I like chocolate anyday of the year and have gained 20 pounds since college to prove it!
But, I digress.
I think it is a lot of pressure though for people who may not have a romantic "Valentine", don't you think? Think of all the wonderful, single people out there who have to have it shoved in their faces that no one is bringing them a heart shaped box filled with 100 grams of fat!
So, to all of the single Valentines out there today... Happy Valentine's Day.
I have a positive thought for you today...
Would you have really wanted someone to bring you a stuffed panda bear holding a satin heart (hanging on by a thread) which reads "I love you beary much!"? Of course not. But then again, who am I to say?
Regardless, enjoy the day knowing that your family and friends love you very much!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
I'm still here...
Boy, the days just slip by don't they?
I was ready to go to bed and I thought "Hey, I haven't written on my blog in a while!"
It is almost 1:00AM and I should be in bed. The smart thing would be to go to bed. But here I am.
I just got done washing my floor and cleaning the downstairs. I wish I could find time during the day to do that but it is hard when you have two monkeys leaving trails of toys, cheerios and sippy cups behind them.
There is something peaceful about cleaning late at night. Despite being exhausted from the late night, I usually wake up feeling good that I am starting a new day with a sparkling downstairs. Of course, it will last through the first half of Blues Clues. Sigh...
I can not complain though. All in all I have got it pretty darn good. The holidays were wonderful and we made some fantastic memories as a family. It was a Christmas I will never forget. We are now in the midst of a "cold snap", which is an understatement, and we have had to be creative because the kids just can't play when it feels like -15 degrees outside. Isabella has a "snow" day tomorrow. Really it is just because of dangerous wind chills.
I should rest up. Something tells me I will have a very busy day when I awake.
So, I will end my long day thanking God for my family and friends. I have no idea what tomorrow will hold. But as long as I wake with a happy family and a clean kitchen floor, I think the day will turn out just fine.
I was ready to go to bed and I thought "Hey, I haven't written on my blog in a while!"
It is almost 1:00AM and I should be in bed. The smart thing would be to go to bed. But here I am.
I just got done washing my floor and cleaning the downstairs. I wish I could find time during the day to do that but it is hard when you have two monkeys leaving trails of toys, cheerios and sippy cups behind them.
There is something peaceful about cleaning late at night. Despite being exhausted from the late night, I usually wake up feeling good that I am starting a new day with a sparkling downstairs. Of course, it will last through the first half of Blues Clues. Sigh...
I can not complain though. All in all I have got it pretty darn good. The holidays were wonderful and we made some fantastic memories as a family. It was a Christmas I will never forget. We are now in the midst of a "cold snap", which is an understatement, and we have had to be creative because the kids just can't play when it feels like -15 degrees outside. Isabella has a "snow" day tomorrow. Really it is just because of dangerous wind chills.
I should rest up. Something tells me I will have a very busy day when I awake.
So, I will end my long day thanking God for my family and friends. I have no idea what tomorrow will hold. But as long as I wake with a happy family and a clean kitchen floor, I think the day will turn out just fine.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Ad Torture...
Yes, it must be the week before elections.
I have some advice for those running for office...your last minute barrage of television/radio/print advertisements are useless. If anything, I like you less BECAUSE of your constant whining, bullying and name calling.
Is it really necessary to run an ad during Blues Clues? Must I constantly get phone calls at home of recorded voices telling me about the urgent state of our county/state/country?
I have done my research, months and weeks ago.
I already know who I am voting for.
And you know who you are.
If you protect the life of the unborn, I support you.
If you work for peace but also the protection of our country and its borders, I support you.
If you look to advance science and support bills which will not kill an innocent human life, then I am on your side.
If, however, you use scare tactics to win an office I have already shut you out.
If you seek to demonize those who fight for our country or to glamorize terrorist propaganda then you will not have my vote.
If you seek to force your view of morality on me and threaten my expression of Faith I will kindly close the door on you.
If you use a woman’s “choice” as an excuse to kill the unborn then I am deaf to you.
May God Bless those who want to serve our country with integrity and respect for those in all life stages.
I have some advice for those running for office...your last minute barrage of television/radio/print advertisements are useless. If anything, I like you less BECAUSE of your constant whining, bullying and name calling.
Is it really necessary to run an ad during Blues Clues? Must I constantly get phone calls at home of recorded voices telling me about the urgent state of our county/state/country?
I have done my research, months and weeks ago.
I already know who I am voting for.
And you know who you are.
If you protect the life of the unborn, I support you.
If you work for peace but also the protection of our country and its borders, I support you.
If you look to advance science and support bills which will not kill an innocent human life, then I am on your side.
If, however, you use scare tactics to win an office I have already shut you out.
If you seek to demonize those who fight for our country or to glamorize terrorist propaganda then you will not have my vote.
If you seek to force your view of morality on me and threaten my expression of Faith I will kindly close the door on you.
If you use a woman’s “choice” as an excuse to kill the unborn then I am deaf to you.
May God Bless those who want to serve our country with integrity and respect for those in all life stages.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Clean as a Whistle…
There is something very therapeutic about cleaning your kitchen floor.
No, I am not talking about damp mopping it or just wiping up a couple of spills. I am talking about an all out stripping and waxing of the kitchen floor.
I’m in the process of it right now. So far it has taken me an hour and a half to scrub and strip the floor. I am taking a short break before waxing begins.
I have been thinking about the last week and I realized that tonight was the first time I have actually had some quiet time to reflect on things. When did things get so complicated that I need to wash my floor in order to have a moment for self reflection?
So, what have I been thinking about?
Today is my sister’s birthday. She is thirty-something…
She is also a remarkable woman. She has four children and a husband and she seems to have “it” down pat, from soup to nuts. She is loving, giving, realistic, intelligent and very involved in her family’s life. Did I mention she is funny and pretty too?
When I was a child she used to meet me after my “Brownie” meetings, which met after school, so I didn’t have to take the big kid bus alone. We would pass by the “Snack Shack”, (a pickup truck with a little house on it selling all kinds of sugary goodness) and my sister would pull out a quarter and buy me a big sweetart! I used to lick that piece of candy as if I would never have another ever again. She protected me and listened to me. That was quite a challenge because I was a really annoying kiddo.
It has been the same ever since. My big sis still looks out for me. She tells me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. She is a wonderful role model of motherhood and generosity of self to others. She volunteers and knows what is going on in her children’s life. She can speak about politics and faith with ease and can entertain 60 guests while making it look so easy.
So, it is my sister Jennifer whom I have been thinking about while I am scrubbing my floor. I am grateful for her and pray that God blesses her with continued happiness and health.
I am also grateful for my time of reflection tonight. Granted, I would much rather have a brand new floor that didn’t require so much darn work… But in the meantime thinking about my big sis has passed the time in a very pleasant way.
I am also grateful for one other thing…that I am not as old as she is…
No, I am not talking about damp mopping it or just wiping up a couple of spills. I am talking about an all out stripping and waxing of the kitchen floor.
I’m in the process of it right now. So far it has taken me an hour and a half to scrub and strip the floor. I am taking a short break before waxing begins.
I have been thinking about the last week and I realized that tonight was the first time I have actually had some quiet time to reflect on things. When did things get so complicated that I need to wash my floor in order to have a moment for self reflection?
So, what have I been thinking about?
Today is my sister’s birthday. She is thirty-something…
She is also a remarkable woman. She has four children and a husband and she seems to have “it” down pat, from soup to nuts. She is loving, giving, realistic, intelligent and very involved in her family’s life. Did I mention she is funny and pretty too?
When I was a child she used to meet me after my “Brownie” meetings, which met after school, so I didn’t have to take the big kid bus alone. We would pass by the “Snack Shack”, (a pickup truck with a little house on it selling all kinds of sugary goodness) and my sister would pull out a quarter and buy me a big sweetart! I used to lick that piece of candy as if I would never have another ever again. She protected me and listened to me. That was quite a challenge because I was a really annoying kiddo.
It has been the same ever since. My big sis still looks out for me. She tells me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. She is a wonderful role model of motherhood and generosity of self to others. She volunteers and knows what is going on in her children’s life. She can speak about politics and faith with ease and can entertain 60 guests while making it look so easy.
So, it is my sister Jennifer whom I have been thinking about while I am scrubbing my floor. I am grateful for her and pray that God blesses her with continued happiness and health.
I am also grateful for my time of reflection tonight. Granted, I would much rather have a brand new floor that didn’t require so much darn work… But in the meantime thinking about my big sis has passed the time in a very pleasant way.
I am also grateful for one other thing…that I am not as old as she is…
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