(both from Obey the Purebreed. Have fun!)
Maybe spring will come now?
Something Special
4 months ago
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Attempts to fool myself into thinking spring is still coming ...
Well, I changed a few colors - after Calandria changed the entire look of her blog, but I don't know how to do the types of things she did so this is a pretty rudimentary change.
Anyway, I thought maybe by bringing in some tulip-pink and robin's egg-blue, I might be able to convince myself spring really is coming this year.
They are saying more snow - big time snow - on Friday.
Sigh ...
Anyway, I thought maybe by bringing in some tulip-pink and robin's egg-blue, I might be able to convince myself spring really is coming this year.
They are saying more snow - big time snow - on Friday.
Sigh ...
Friday, April 04, 2008
Roller Coaster of Life
Wow, life is hard sometimes. I feel like for the past two months (maybe three?) I have just been up and down and up and down and occasionally sideways ... I don't quite know what to make of all this. Menopause? Spring fever? Delayed reaction to the changes of last year? Some days are so great and then others I get all confused about so many things.
I am hoping some of you out there who are my age can tell me this is totally normal ...!!!
In the meantime, to avoid thinking about it all, I knit.
More socks on the way.
I am hoping some of you out there who are my age can tell me this is totally normal ...!!!
In the meantime, to avoid thinking about it all, I knit.
More socks on the way.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Finished late last night
I have been reading the wit and wisdom of The Yarn Harlot lately, and she defines 'knitting jag' as being stuck on knitting the same pattern over and over and over again. Me and socks .... CHECK!She says the best way to get over the jag is to buy enough yarn to make 100 more of the same pattern. Once you have invested all that money, the previously addicting pattern will bore you, and you will find something new to hold your attention.
Guess I'm not quite there yet.
New Career Path?
I put store in my dreams (I was going to say 'great store' but really, if I'm honest with you and with myself, I actually use my dreams as entertainment more than inspiration or predictors of the future) so last night's dream has stuck with me.
In it, I had launched a new - and, seemingly successful - career as a swimsuit designer.
Just what you always thought I would be, right?
In it, I had launched a new - and, seemingly successful - career as a swimsuit designer.
Just what you always thought I would be, right?
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Fooling with Reality
I see Google Mail has a new feature. It will let you send an email with a date stamp of a time already passed. And it can make the newly-delivered email look like it's already been opened and read in the recipient's mailbox.
Heh. So when you miss a deadline you can quick send a new email with a retroactive time and make it look already read and then say self-righteously "What do you mean my reply is late? I sent it 6 hours ago and you already opened it!" and the recipient will check his/her inbox and see "whoa, how did I forget about that email? It says it's been here for hours! I must have totally blanked it out." And then that person will beg your forgiveness.
Until they catch on.
Then, how will anyone ever know what is real and what is g-manufactured? Now, Google says you can only utilize this feature 10 times per year. As if. Now that the technology exists, you know it will just be a matter of time (perhaps time already passed) until anyone can use it anytime they want.
Methinks this is a slippery slope, indeed.
Heh. So when you miss a deadline you can quick send a new email with a retroactive time and make it look already read and then say self-righteously "What do you mean my reply is late? I sent it 6 hours ago and you already opened it!" and the recipient will check his/her inbox and see "whoa, how did I forget about that email? It says it's been here for hours! I must have totally blanked it out." And then that person will beg your forgiveness.
Until they catch on.
Then, how will anyone ever know what is real and what is g-manufactured? Now, Google says you can only utilize this feature 10 times per year. As if. Now that the technology exists, you know it will just be a matter of time (perhaps time already passed) until anyone can use it anytime they want.
Methinks this is a slippery slope, indeed.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Superhero Powers
On the radio yesterday they were talking about superhero powers, and which one(s) they would like. As I listened I found myself rejecting many of them, and have been pondering which one I would want ever since.Read people's minds: Nope, really don't want to know what they are thinking as they look at me or talk to me or work with me. And I do'nt have the self-control to only do it occasionally.
Fly: OK, fun, but really, what use is it? Unless you can carry a full trailer of camping gear and people and everything you need for a vacation.
Be invisible: Again, fun in certain situations, but do I really want to spy on people? Certainly not on the people I know, (TMI!!!) and on people I do'nt know ... I just think the novelty would wear off really, really fast. And I am certainly not the type of person who would use it for illegal gain.
See through walls (and everything else): Um, again, what use is it really? And how distracting to be watching something but also be seeing through it (and where does it end, anyway? If I am sitting on the couch watching TV, I would also see THROUGH the TV, through the wall behind it, through the wall behind that, and so on and so on. How could you focus?)
Super-human strength: OK, so far this one has the most potential, never have to ask for help to open a new jar, be able to pick the car up and put it in that tight parking space, rearrange the furniture without having to empty the bookshelves first, yeah, this one is growing on me.
Invincibility: I worry that this one would be like that disease some kids have (that they always use as a story line on doctor TV shows because it's so sensationalistic - that, and Munchausen by proxy) where they don't feel pain - would I even notice my hand had been cut off? Or does this mean that a saw could go through my arm but it would refuse together as soon as the blade was past? But then again, how often am I in mortal danger, and is it needed for the occasional stubbed toe or paper cut?
Hmm ... so I guess the strength one seems to be it for me. What other powers have I forgotten? Stretchiness like Reed in Fantastic Four or the Mom in The Incredibles? Speed like the kid in Incredibles? Neither of those are of much interest. But perhaps I am not realizing the true advantages to some of these gifts.
What would you pick?
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Ty's Room
Ta-da! This gives you an idea. I still have to finish the other curtain panel, and the bedspread is just one layer - not a quilt yet. But we are all quite pleased with it so far!1:00 Sunday Afternoon
Painting in Ty's room is DONE!!
Woo-Hoo!!
Now just have to run to the hardware store for new outlet covers, and IKEA for a few fun accents ... my goal is to have it completely finished when he comes home this evening.
Will take pictures!
Woo-Hoo!!
Now just have to run to the hardware store for new outlet covers, and IKEA for a few fun accents ... my goal is to have it completely finished when he comes home this evening.
Will take pictures!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
You knew this was coming, right?
Is anyone out there surprised that I had to go buy more yarn today? I was driving past the Burnsville store and really, it was prudent of me to stop, as there are no yarn shops near my house, so I just saved myself gas and time by pulling in to the parking lot since I was right there, in the neighborhood.
We all felt much better when I made my purchases. Phew.
I walked in and went straight to the sock yarn shelves, and the clerk came over to ask if I needed any help. I explained how I had finished a pair of socks recently (see the orange ones below) and was down to only having enough yarn in reserve for two more pairs.
I kid you not -- she, as well as the two other customers in the store, *GASPED* out loud.
We all felt much better when I made my purchases. Phew.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Confidence-Inspiring
So this afternoon I am meeting with a realtor and a prospective tenant who is interested in renting the property I sort of manage.
The realtor calls all excited that he has worked out a great plan.
The prospective tenants are in St. Paul.
The rental property is in Bloomington, as am I.
The realtor's office is in Wayzata.
His plan? Let's all meet at his office because it's so centrally located and convenient for everyone involved!
The realtor calls all excited that he has worked out a great plan.
The prospective tenants are in St. Paul.
The rental property is in Bloomington, as am I.
The realtor's office is in Wayzata.
His plan? Let's all meet at his office because it's so centrally located and convenient for everyone involved!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Snow, Snow, Go Away
I am so sick of the snow. We were teased with that week of warmth ...
I was just ready to not have to wear coats anymore.
Ready to not have the dogs' feet be all wet.
But no, it's March Madness, which means snow.
Snow.
And more snow.
I was just ready to not have to wear coats anymore.
Ready to not have the dogs' feet be all wet.
But no, it's March Madness, which means snow.
Snow.
And more snow.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thought-Provoking
As we do every spring, we are looking at educational alternatives for B & T for next fall. This article just came to me in an email newsletter, and it is making me re-think all the things I thought last week!
When I read that kids with high IQs can actually finish all the curriculum of elementary school in as little as one year, I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Granted, I know my children's temperaments are not ones that they would have been willing to sit and learn that intensively, but the fact that research proves they could have ...
Well, there's always more to think about ....
Teaching to the Average in Same-Aged Classrooms By Deborah L. Ruf, Ph.D.
Remember how I said that the average IQ difference between people who get our jokes-people most likely to become our friends-is 12 points (on a 100 point scale with a 100 IQ being average)? And remember I told you that the typical same- aged elementary classroom has a 70 to 80 IQ range in it? You probably have been told by others-not me-that this is good for children because it teaches them about the real world. Well, in the real world we choose our friends and our activities by how comfortable we are in that environment and by who else we get to spend time with. Also, although it may be nice to have a mix of abilities in the office, we pretty much want all CPAs or medical doctors to have a certain high ability, no lower than what is required to get the job done, right? That's why we have examinations at the end of such training to guarantee that everyone who earns the title actually can do the job.
Did you know that every job or career actually has its own IQ average and its own proven necessary minimum? Google Linda Gottfredson and Frank Schmidt to get you started. They are among those who have shown that people in the professions or other very complex careers need a minimum IQ of about 120 in order to both learn what they need to learn and perform it well. Like IQs or not, these numbers keep correlating with real life outcomes. Oh, and in case you are assuming that you can change somebody's IQ, there are no replicated studies that show any more than an average 6 point temporary increase in testable IQ with even the most intrusive interventional approach, adoption. So, the way I look at it, we need to start educating and training people for what they can do and for what will give them satisfaction, pride, and the ability to take care of themselves.
Most people think that teachers teach to the average. Well, no, they don't. They can't! If they taught to the average, too many of the slower learners simply wouldn't catch on to most of what was happening in the classroom. Teachers teach to the top of the bottom third once they know their class. This way, they reach the slower learners fairly well and the majority of the kids in the middle get lots of encouragement and opportunity to manage their time, learn study skills, and how to handle a certain amount of intellectual struggle and feel success when they finally "get it." The sad truth, though, is that the brightest students end up spending a lot of time waiting for something new to happen. Depending on a number of other factors, like whether they are male or female and their personality profiles, they learn a lot that ends up not being helpful to real life. They learn that if you are smart, you don't need to study or work hard. They learn that their parents and teachers don't know what they are talking about if they think this assignment matters. They learn that they are smarter than everyone else in the class and are in for a shock when they actually do get out into the real world.
David Lohman says that by 1st grade the typical same-aged mixed-ability classroom already has 12 grade equivalencies of achievement in it. Brighter children absorb more from their environments than lower ability children, so regardless of their preschool environment, brighter kids will know a great deal more than low ability children by the time they reach 1st grade. Environment is an extremely important factor in someone's development, but it does not change whether or not someone is very bright or very slow. A child whose IQ is 120 could finish the typical elementary curriculum in about 4½ years, not six. A child whose IQ is 130 could finish it in less than three years. Above 140 needs only one year, but they are required to stay all six and go at the pace of everyone else their age. What a waste of time and talent. Folks, there has got to be a better way.
When I read that kids with high IQs can actually finish all the curriculum of elementary school in as little as one year, I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Granted, I know my children's temperaments are not ones that they would have been willing to sit and learn that intensively, but the fact that research proves they could have ...
Well, there's always more to think about ....
Teaching to the Average in Same-Aged Classrooms By Deborah L. Ruf, Ph.D.
Remember how I said that the average IQ difference between people who get our jokes-people most likely to become our friends-is 12 points (on a 100 point scale with a 100 IQ being average)? And remember I told you that the typical same- aged elementary classroom has a 70 to 80 IQ range in it? You probably have been told by others-not me-that this is good for children because it teaches them about the real world. Well, in the real world we choose our friends and our activities by how comfortable we are in that environment and by who else we get to spend time with. Also, although it may be nice to have a mix of abilities in the office, we pretty much want all CPAs or medical doctors to have a certain high ability, no lower than what is required to get the job done, right? That's why we have examinations at the end of such training to guarantee that everyone who earns the title actually can do the job.
Did you know that every job or career actually has its own IQ average and its own proven necessary minimum? Google Linda Gottfredson and Frank Schmidt to get you started. They are among those who have shown that people in the professions or other very complex careers need a minimum IQ of about 120 in order to both learn what they need to learn and perform it well. Like IQs or not, these numbers keep correlating with real life outcomes. Oh, and in case you are assuming that you can change somebody's IQ, there are no replicated studies that show any more than an average 6 point temporary increase in testable IQ with even the most intrusive interventional approach, adoption. So, the way I look at it, we need to start educating and training people for what they can do and for what will give them satisfaction, pride, and the ability to take care of themselves.
Most people think that teachers teach to the average. Well, no, they don't. They can't! If they taught to the average, too many of the slower learners simply wouldn't catch on to most of what was happening in the classroom. Teachers teach to the top of the bottom third once they know their class. This way, they reach the slower learners fairly well and the majority of the kids in the middle get lots of encouragement and opportunity to manage their time, learn study skills, and how to handle a certain amount of intellectual struggle and feel success when they finally "get it." The sad truth, though, is that the brightest students end up spending a lot of time waiting for something new to happen. Depending on a number of other factors, like whether they are male or female and their personality profiles, they learn a lot that ends up not being helpful to real life. They learn that if you are smart, you don't need to study or work hard. They learn that their parents and teachers don't know what they are talking about if they think this assignment matters. They learn that they are smarter than everyone else in the class and are in for a shock when they actually do get out into the real world.
David Lohman says that by 1st grade the typical same-aged mixed-ability classroom already has 12 grade equivalencies of achievement in it. Brighter children absorb more from their environments than lower ability children, so regardless of their preschool environment, brighter kids will know a great deal more than low ability children by the time they reach 1st grade. Environment is an extremely important factor in someone's development, but it does not change whether or not someone is very bright or very slow. A child whose IQ is 120 could finish the typical elementary curriculum in about 4½ years, not six. A child whose IQ is 130 could finish it in less than three years. Above 140 needs only one year, but they are required to stay all six and go at the pace of everyone else their age. What a waste of time and talent. Folks, there has got to be a better way.
My Love-Hate Relationship with Technology
Well, I bought a new DVD-VCR combo at Target yesterday, brought it home, hooked it up, and it was incompatible with my television.
I can't even begin to tell you the frustration. (Carla can, as she got to IM with me at the worst of it.)
So I re-packed it up and will take it back to Target tomorrow.
I HATE TECHNOLOGY.
Missed my show last night, Survivor, and couldn't record it. Major frustration continues.
This morning I got up and watched the entire episode online. Fewer commercial breaks, and each commercial was 15 seconds instead of 4 minutes (or whatever.)
I LOVE TECHNOLOGY.
I can't even begin to tell you the frustration. (Carla can, as she got to IM with me at the worst of it.)
So I re-packed it up and will take it back to Target tomorrow.
I HATE TECHNOLOGY.
Missed my show last night, Survivor, and couldn't record it. Major frustration continues.
This morning I got up and watched the entire episode online. Fewer commercial breaks, and each commercial was 15 seconds instead of 4 minutes (or whatever.)
I LOVE TECHNOLOGY.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Longing for the good 'ol days
My VCR died this week. It's only 27 years old, so I guess I can't complain. But now I am faced with a dilemma. I have to replace it so I can record Survivor and Dancing with the Stars. Really, I don't bother with much else.
But guess what? You can't buy a VCR any more. At least not all by itself. The simplest I can find is a VCR/DVD player combo. For $99.99.
Call me old-fashioned, but I just don't really want a DVR. I like how videos work. I know how videos work. And I don't want to pay $200 for a DVR.
All I want is a nice under-$50 VCR. Ain't gonna happen.
Sigh.
But guess what? You can't buy a VCR any more. At least not all by itself. The simplest I can find is a VCR/DVD player combo. For $99.99.
Call me old-fashioned, but I just don't really want a DVR. I like how videos work. I know how videos work. And I don't want to pay $200 for a DVR.
All I want is a nice under-$50 VCR. Ain't gonna happen.
Sigh.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Overheard at the dinner table...
Mom: tonight I have to knit, to finish up a birthday present which I have to give on Wednesday.
Son 1: Oh, you're not going to work on my quilt?
Mom: Oh yeah, I will do that tonight when I am watching "Dancing with the Stars"
Son 1: But I thought you were going to knit tonight?
Mom: Oh yeah (laughing) -- lately I am so distractable.
Son 2: Maybe that's why you haven't finished it yet.
Mom: Finished what?
Silence.
Laughter all 'round.
Son 1: Oh, you're not going to work on my quilt?
Mom: Oh yeah, I will do that tonight when I am watching "Dancing with the Stars"
Son 1: But I thought you were going to knit tonight?
Mom: Oh yeah (laughing) -- lately I am so distractable.
Son 2: Maybe that's why you haven't finished it yet.
Mom: Finished what?
Silence.
Laughter all 'round.
Snowy Day
Just got this photo from my Dad - he took it this morning from their front deck. It's hard to tell, but those are two deer on the driveway. How beautiful!
What Would Colby Say?!?
from I has a hot dog (thanks, Carla, I was running out of things to look at on the 'net)
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Painting + Carpal Tunnel
Bad mix.
Ouch.
Yesterday I painted about 2/3 of Ty's bedroom. See, he is getting a new bed, which meant he had to get new sheets, as it's a different size. Since we were getting new sheets, we needed a new comforter cover. Which led to new drapes, which, naturally, led to the need for a different wall color. And of course we couldn't find a comforter cover or drapes that we liked, so we went to the fabric store and bought fabric for me to make them.
So far, so good. I was actually quite excited to begin all these projects as they are the types of things I really enjoy doing and haven't done for a long time. In fact, it took me over an hour to find my sewing machine. You know the house isn't that big.
Anyway, after I started painting, all was going well until I stopped for lunch ... and my right wrist really began hurting. Really. Hurting. And now I am afraid to pick up the brush or roller again as I don't want to aggravate it further. But only 3 of the 4 walls are done. And the one that's not done is partially done, so I can't even leave it the old color like it's a planned decorating element. Contrast and all that.
One curtain panel is done, the top of the comforter cover is done, and the weekend is almost done. Maybe it was a titch too ambitious to try to do it all in one weekend with only my two hands.
I'll post pictures when it's completed.
Hopefully that will be before June.
Ouch.
Yesterday I painted about 2/3 of Ty's bedroom. See, he is getting a new bed, which meant he had to get new sheets, as it's a different size. Since we were getting new sheets, we needed a new comforter cover. Which led to new drapes, which, naturally, led to the need for a different wall color. And of course we couldn't find a comforter cover or drapes that we liked, so we went to the fabric store and bought fabric for me to make them.
So far, so good. I was actually quite excited to begin all these projects as they are the types of things I really enjoy doing and haven't done for a long time. In fact, it took me over an hour to find my sewing machine. You know the house isn't that big.
Anyway, after I started painting, all was going well until I stopped for lunch ... and my right wrist really began hurting. Really. Hurting. And now I am afraid to pick up the brush or roller again as I don't want to aggravate it further. But only 3 of the 4 walls are done. And the one that's not done is partially done, so I can't even leave it the old color like it's a planned decorating element. Contrast and all that.
One curtain panel is done, the top of the comforter cover is done, and the weekend is almost done. Maybe it was a titch too ambitious to try to do it all in one weekend with only my two hands.
I'll post pictures when it's completed.
Hopefully that will be before June.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Now I have so many more blogs to read ...
2008 Weblog Awards winners:
(sorry to not have all the links, you will have to go find the ones that interest you on your own ...)
Best web application for weblogs: Blogger
Best Australian or New Zealand weblog: Reasons You Will Hate Me
Best Asian weblog: Freshly Squeezed
Best African weblog: Dotty Rhino
first off, can I say this is only because they don't read Hillmans' blog?! But secondly, I just visited this one, and I enjoyed it - it's the site of the wildlife refuge started by George Adams, of the "Born Free" Elsa the lioness fame, and it's in Tanzania so that makes me feel like I have proprietary rights over it or something! I recommend it!
Best European weblog: Chocolate & Zucchini
OH.
MY.
GOODNESS.
Calandria, you will join me in drooling over this website, I am quite certain. A French woman obsessed with food and cooking, specifically focusing on healthy and organic foods but with a VERY healthy appreciation for chocolate ... I am truly salivating after just one visit, of course that was because one entry (about 3 or 4 down) is about making ice cream from evaporated milk and Nutella - nothing else - which, hey, sounds good to me!
Best Latin American weblog: The Wired Blog
Best Canadian weblog: Attack of the Redneck Mommy Monkey
Best American weblog: Dooce
Best photography of a weblog: I Can Has Cheezburger?
(see photo at right ...)
Best art or craft weblog: PostSecret
Best food weblog: The Pioneer Woman Cooks
Best fashion weblog: Go Fug Yourself
Best weblog about music: Said the Gramophone
Best gossip weblog: Dlisted
Best entertainment weblog: Television Without Pity
Best sports weblog: Fat Cyclist
Best weblog about politics: Crooks and Liars
Best computer or technology weblog: Lifehacker
Best topical weblog: I Can Has Cheezburger?
Best GLBT weblog: PerezHilton.com
Best teen weblog: Sarcastica
Most humorous weblog: Overheard in New York
Best writing of a weblog: Confessions of a Pioneer Woman
Best group weblog: Jezebel
Best community weblog: PostSecret
Best-designed weblog: Dooce
Best-kept secret weblog: So Very Alone
Best new weblog: Jezebel
Lifetime achievement: Heather B. Armstrong
Weblog of the year: Dooce
(sorry to not have all the links, you will have to go find the ones that interest you on your own ...)
Best web application for weblogs: Blogger
Best Australian or New Zealand weblog: Reasons You Will Hate Me
Best Asian weblog: Freshly Squeezed
Best African weblog: Dotty Rhino
first off, can I say this is only because they don't read Hillmans' blog?! But secondly, I just visited this one, and I enjoyed it - it's the site of the wildlife refuge started by George Adams, of the "Born Free" Elsa the lioness fame, and it's in Tanzania so that makes me feel like I have proprietary rights over it or something! I recommend it!
Best European weblog: Chocolate & Zucchini
OH.
MY.
GOODNESS.
Calandria, you will join me in drooling over this website, I am quite certain. A French woman obsessed with food and cooking, specifically focusing on healthy and organic foods but with a VERY healthy appreciation for chocolate ... I am truly salivating after just one visit, of course that was because one entry (about 3 or 4 down) is about making ice cream from evaporated milk and Nutella - nothing else - which, hey, sounds good to me!
Best Latin American weblog: The Wired Blog
Best Canadian weblog: Attack of the Redneck Mommy Monkey
Best American weblog: Dooce
Best photography of a weblog: I Can Has Cheezburger?
(see photo at right ...)Best art or craft weblog: PostSecret
Best food weblog: The Pioneer Woman Cooks
Best fashion weblog: Go Fug Yourself
Best weblog about music: Said the Gramophone
Best gossip weblog: Dlisted
Best entertainment weblog: Television Without Pity
Best sports weblog: Fat Cyclist
Best weblog about politics: Crooks and Liars
Best computer or technology weblog: Lifehacker
Best topical weblog: I Can Has Cheezburger?
Best GLBT weblog: PerezHilton.com
Best teen weblog: Sarcastica
Most humorous weblog: Overheard in New York
Best writing of a weblog: Confessions of a Pioneer Woman
Best group weblog: Jezebel
Best community weblog: PostSecret
Best-designed weblog: Dooce
Best-kept secret weblog: So Very Alone
Best new weblog: Jezebel
Lifetime achievement: Heather B. Armstrong
Weblog of the year: Dooce
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Another Knitting Day-brightener
Another fun knitting project completed! I made a set of 3 nesting felted bowls.
Here they are all knitted but not felted yet. Really, they are just hats before you shrink them down. I was talking to my friend Shawn whose daughter has a magic knitting loom (or some such thing, Calandria, isn't that what Lidia has?) And you could make hats with that, out of 100% wool, and then shrink them into a felted bowl, I do believe.
Here I've attempted to make them stand up like they will when done:
Here they are all knitted but not felted yet. Really, they are just hats before you shrink them down. I was talking to my friend Shawn whose daughter has a magic knitting loom (or some such thing, Calandria, isn't that what Lidia has?) And you could make hats with that, out of 100% wool, and then shrink them into a felted bowl, I do believe.
Here I've attempted to make them stand up like they will when done:
And here they are, nesting so cozily, after the transformation:
Finally, sitting out side by side.
It's just so cool to look at them and think "I made those with a long piece of string!"
I'm past it (for this month, anyway)
OK, I think I am past my two-and-a-half days of feeling down. You'd think I would be used to it now as it happens pretty much every month, but it still takes me by surprise and I don't realize it's the hormones talking until I am on the way out of it again. That moment of clarity came to me about 5PM yesterday.
So I went upstairs and started knitting - always a sign of good humor here - and started my first pair of "two socks on one needle." A concept I have been aware of for a while and been intrigued by, and now finally got up the nerve to try. And you know what? It's a bit tricky at the beginning to keep all the yarn going in the right direction, but overall I really, really like it. And the best part is, when you're done - you're done! Both socks finished at the same time. Oh - and the really best thing is - both socks the exact same size.
Last night I had dinner with a friend ... actually I forced her to buy me dinner as when I got to the restaurant I realized I had left my purse at home on the kitchen counter. She was a good sport and we had a delightful meal together. Afterwards when I got home, I sent her a quick email thanking her, and she responded with a note that said "You always make me feel braver about making changes."
You know, that totally changed my mood around last night. I know, I was coming out of my funk anyway, but it reminded me that overall I am so satisfied with my life and the choices I have made and the place I am in now.
So I went upstairs and started knitting - always a sign of good humor here - and started my first pair of "two socks on one needle." A concept I have been aware of for a while and been intrigued by, and now finally got up the nerve to try. And you know what? It's a bit tricky at the beginning to keep all the yarn going in the right direction, but overall I really, really like it. And the best part is, when you're done - you're done! Both socks finished at the same time. Oh - and the really best thing is - both socks the exact same size. Yup, today is sunny and life is looking up.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
my secret vice
I just learned something about myself. Laundry is my drug of choice. (Well, not a drug really, but doesn't that sound intriguing?)
What I mean is that laundry is what I do when I know I need to be doing something but either don't know or don't want to do what really needs doing. By doing laundry I can justify my inattention to those other things, because I can rightly claim that I am not wasting my time or sitting idle.
Nope, those sheets and towels simply must be washed today! And the work projects, and school assignments, and tax organizing ... well, I'm doing LAUNDRY, for goodness' sake, and that's important, too.
Sigh. We have clean clothes but I still have angst about all those other things.
What I mean is that laundry is what I do when I know I need to be doing something but either don't know or don't want to do what really needs doing. By doing laundry I can justify my inattention to those other things, because I can rightly claim that I am not wasting my time or sitting idle.
Nope, those sheets and towels simply must be washed today! And the work projects, and school assignments, and tax organizing ... well, I'm doing LAUNDRY, for goodness' sake, and that's important, too.
Sigh. We have clean clothes but I still have angst about all those other things.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
The Great Teeter-Totter of Life
It's all about balance and lately I have not been feeling good about my life.
I have been working a lot more than usual, which while is nice in some ways, is really hard in others. I have been burning the midnight oil, as they say, which I used to be able to do a lot better when I was 10 or 20 years younger.
They say 50 is the new 40 but even with that I need more!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Fairy Frost
She calls it "Impossible: Part 2" and this is just one photo of her series ... I literally gasped when I followed a link to this blog. You have got to check out her photos of what she has named "Fairy Frost." Impossible yet so incredibly beautifully possible it just takes your breath away.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The Reality Show for Me
Finally, a Reality Show I could WIN. Unfortunately I didn't know about it until way after the players were selected ...
Oprah's The Big Give. Now, Oprah is not my favorite person, even though I do admire many of the things she does. This reality show is all about giving to the community - to individuals and organizations needing a little (or a lot of) help. I watched the first episode, and there were 5 teams of two -- each team had a "situation" where they just had to do whatever they could in 5 days to help. All of them involved raising money, but they also had the chance to bring in community, connections, publicity, and anything else.
And I could have kicked 4 of the 5 teams' collective butts :-) One team did an amazing job on their task, 2 did a really good job, and 2 were very close to being worthless (in fact, I suspect that Oprah did a little behind-the-scenes rescue operation on one team.)
It's all about coming up with a plan, spreading a wide net, and working REALLY REALLY fast.
Totally up my alley.
I'll have to be satisfied watching and knowing what I would have done in their places. And maybe it's just as well, because several times during the show Oprah is standing there looking at the groups saying things like "We'll see who the biggest giver is" when it's obvious that she finds it a rhetorical question, and she is expecting all of them to bow down to her and say "Oh, YOU are the biggest giver of them all."
And she is. But does she have to be so smug about it?
Oprah's The Big Give. Now, Oprah is not my favorite person, even though I do admire many of the things she does. This reality show is all about giving to the community - to individuals and organizations needing a little (or a lot of) help. I watched the first episode, and there were 5 teams of two -- each team had a "situation" where they just had to do whatever they could in 5 days to help. All of them involved raising money, but they also had the chance to bring in community, connections, publicity, and anything else.
And I could have kicked 4 of the 5 teams' collective butts :-) One team did an amazing job on their task, 2 did a really good job, and 2 were very close to being worthless (in fact, I suspect that Oprah did a little behind-the-scenes rescue operation on one team.)
It's all about coming up with a plan, spreading a wide net, and working REALLY REALLY fast.
Totally up my alley.
I'll have to be satisfied watching and knowing what I would have done in their places. And maybe it's just as well, because several times during the show Oprah is standing there looking at the groups saying things like "We'll see who the biggest giver is" when it's obvious that she finds it a rhetorical question, and she is expecting all of them to bow down to her and say "Oh, YOU are the biggest giver of them all."
And she is. But does she have to be so smug about it?
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Big C, Little C, Eensy-Weensy C
I often refer to Colby and Chaco as "Big C" and "Little C" but this weekend we had a really tiny C staying with us, too! The boys landed a dog-sitting job for their uncle's 6-month old St. Charles Spaniel, Charlie.
Big C & Little C were wary when we brought in the equipment.
The wariness increased as they met the intruder .. errr, I mean guest.
Chaco decided he did NOT like this at all and spent the weekend hiding from Charlie.
Charlie had a bit of hero-worship for Colby, who tolerated the attention quite well.
We loved having the BABY here and miss him now that he's back home!Sunday, March 02, 2008
Happy Birthday, Jess-kah!
In just under an hour it's my friend Jess-kah's birthday! I met her in Tanzania last summer ... here she hangs with the evolutionary chain at Ngorongoro Crater.HAPPY DAY, GIRLFRIEND!!!
Book-Banning Controversy
This morning I was alerted to a movement by a group of University of St. Thomas parents who are trying to remove Margaret Atwood's book The Handmaid's Tale from the required reading list for freshman literature. The reasons they list on their website basically boil down to there is some (a lot of?) graphic language and imagery in the book that they believe will make some 18 or 19 year olds uncomfortable when reading.
This bothers me on so many levels. First and foremost, I am upset that this is still happening today - that a small group of people try to control what others read, that they try to insist their opinions are more valid than the teachers who assign the book. Wasn't there an episode of The Brady Bunch in the 1960s that dealt with book burning? Didn't Mike & Carol Brady teach their children - and the entire neighborhood - that burning a book is never the solution? Obviously these parents didn't watch The Brady Bunch - or at least they missed that episode. It just makes me sad that this is happening now, in 2008. Probably I am naive.
Secondly, I have read the book in question ... I probably read it the first time when I was in high school - what would these parents say about that?! And I remember the book for its themes and commentary and the futuristic genre. I do NOT recall how many times the "f" word was used (which seems to be one of the main complaints of this group.) I do not remember, much less dwell on, the scenes of violence other than to remember the grimness of society in general in the book. Which, afterall, was the whole point of the book.
I believe the parents underestimate their children's ability to read and discuss the book, and I believe they insult the integrity of the literature professors who selected the book and prepared the discussion activities.
So, as this parent group website urged me to do, I wrote to the faculty of the University of St. Thomas. Unfortunately for the parent group, I don't think my email (to the addresses they so thoughtfully provided) was what they were looking for.
This bothers me on so many levels. First and foremost, I am upset that this is still happening today - that a small group of people try to control what others read, that they try to insist their opinions are more valid than the teachers who assign the book. Wasn't there an episode of The Brady Bunch in the 1960s that dealt with book burning? Didn't Mike & Carol Brady teach their children - and the entire neighborhood - that burning a book is never the solution? Obviously these parents didn't watch The Brady Bunch - or at least they missed that episode. It just makes me sad that this is happening now, in 2008. Probably I am naive.
Secondly, I have read the book in question ... I probably read it the first time when I was in high school - what would these parents say about that?! And I remember the book for its themes and commentary and the futuristic genre. I do NOT recall how many times the "f" word was used (which seems to be one of the main complaints of this group.) I do not remember, much less dwell on, the scenes of violence other than to remember the grimness of society in general in the book. Which, afterall, was the whole point of the book.
I believe the parents underestimate their children's ability to read and discuss the book, and I believe they insult the integrity of the literature professors who selected the book and prepared the discussion activities.
So, as this parent group website urged me to do, I wrote to the faculty of the University of St. Thomas. Unfortunately for the parent group, I don't think my email (to the addresses they so thoughtfully provided) was what they were looking for.
Friday, February 29, 2008
My kinda of quiz (sorta)
Does this sound like me? From the results it looks like I am pretty firmly in the hazelnut camp ... Whatever ... LMK what YOU are.
| What Kind of Chocolate Are You? Your Result: Chocolate Hazelnut Chocolate hazelnut is so pure and honest... just like you. You are one smart person, with a passion of helping others. We can always count on you to help us out, whether it's a math problem or just a bad day. Don't be afraid to steer away from your plain white tees and straight-cut jeans once in a while, though! | |
| Milk Chocolate | |
| Dark Chocolate | |
| White Chocolate | |
| Chocolate-Covered Fruit | |
| What Kind of Chocolate Are You? Quizzes for MySpace | |
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Introducing ...
The newest United States Citizen! My sister-in-law Mary became a citizen today. She is Irish, and has lived here for ... 25-26 (?) years and been married to my brother almost that long. Guess after all that time she decided it would stick.The boys & I went to the ceremony, held in the US District Court Building in downtown St. Paul. The room was beautiful - it had draped white netting and lights, like for a wedding reception!
There were about 230 citizens-to-be in this ceremony, from either 37 or 47 different countries (I heard 47, Ben heard 37.) Mary was the only one from Ireland. Somali had the most, with 68, Vietnam and Mexico each had about 17 or 18, Liberia had maybe 14, and then all the rest of the nations had 10 or fewer. No Norwegians, Croatians, or Tanzanians!
Here all the candidates are swearing allegiance to the United States. The judge presiding spoke for a bit both before and after the swearing in. I really liked the message he gave, talking about how the United States is dependent on the diversity of many people from many cultures and that although they are swearing allegiance to the US, they should never, ever forget their homelands and all that they grew up with culturally, linguistically, and musically.He ended with a John Wesley quote that is one of my favorites:
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
For all the people you can,
For as long as you can.
Then they had a video presentation set to the song Proud to be An American, with photos of the nation, its citizens, and its new citizens. It was incredibly moving; I stood in the back and cried.
I wanted to hug and congratulate and welcome each of the new citizens. I was, truly, proud to be an American.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Hmmm...
So bought the boys new socks at Target yesterday, washed them today.
A pack of 6 pair for each of them.
Carefully packaged in a resealable ziplock plastic bag.
Do people really take the socks out one pair at a time and then reseal the bag?
A pack of 6 pair for each of them.
Carefully packaged in a resealable ziplock plastic bag.
Do people really take the socks out one pair at a time and then reseal the bag?
Monday, February 25, 2008
Taste this MORE than Twice
I just heard from my friend Missy, owner and creative genius behind Droolin' Moose, that she won an award this weekend at the Twin Cities Food & Wine Show ~ 
"Best Kept Secret" for New Products in 2008 !!!I have shared the snack mix which bears the company name with many of you, raving about it, and now you have proof that my taste is of high quality, as the judges agreed with me.
You can order your own by calling Missy, go to their store in Bloomington, or just ask me to pick some up for you ... I'm heading over there this afternoon!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
I didn't know...
There is a TV commercial on right now - I think it's for American Express - which is neither here nor there - and I saw it two or three times tonight while watching the Academy Awards (which made me think of Carla and Ann and the Oscar Party we had a few years back and who knows when we will have the next one where all 3 of us could be in the same room at the same time) - and I really liked the message.
It's a woman talking, and she says (this is the part I like):
That's me in a nutshell. Now, this woman ended up (quite by accident, if we are to believe the commercial) a fashion designer, perhaps you have heard of her, Diane von Furstenburg? And, being the impressionable type of individual I am, I actually looked at the clothing she was holding up in the commercial and thought "How cool would that be, to design clothing for women like ME who know nothing about fashion and don't even really like it?!" What does that say about my state of mind that I actually meant it, too?!
I don't know where I am going, but I do believe I am getting closer.
It's a woman talking, and she says (this is the part I like):
I didn't know what I wanted to be,
but I knew the kind of woman I wanted to become.
That's me in a nutshell. Now, this woman ended up (quite by accident, if we are to believe the commercial) a fashion designer, perhaps you have heard of her, Diane von Furstenburg? And, being the impressionable type of individual I am, I actually looked at the clothing she was holding up in the commercial and thought "How cool would that be, to design clothing for women like ME who know nothing about fashion and don't even really like it?!" What does that say about my state of mind that I actually meant it, too?!
I don't know where I am going, but I do believe I am getting closer.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
She did it again ...
So, this morning the Knitting Queen and I, along with a third partner in crime, Lisajoan, went to a yarn shop. Again. This is becoming a nasty habit.
Instead I bought a book of patterns, and some yarn, and some other patterns ... this is not the exact photo of what I got, but it gives you an idea. It's felted bowls. Same technique as I used on my slippers and bags earlier, but now bowls. How cute is that?!?!
I was only going to buy a new circular needle, which I do actually need.
Instead I bought a book of patterns, and some yarn, and some other patterns ... this is not the exact photo of what I got, but it gives you an idea. It's felted bowls. Same technique as I used on my slippers and bags earlier, but now bowls. How cute is that?!?!We'll see when I actually get any made ...
Friday, February 22, 2008
Some days ...
Every once in a while I look in the mirror and think WHO IS THAT WOMAN?
I am pretty busy right now in my life. Adjusting, even after a year, to living in the townhouse, to working a lot on several projects, on handing over volunteer and staff duties while still supporting a lot of the volunteers and staff at Peace House, working with the boys on their schooling, trying to stay caught up for my book clubs, knitting for my soul, keeping the dogs exercised, trying to watch my own weight and fitness level (though that's a pretty passive role. I just keep watching, wondering if it will ever change.)
So about 10 minutes ago I get an email. From the University of North Dakota. They are announcing a new distance learning Master's in Public Health program for nurses. The focus is community and public health. They work with you to find communities near you to work with in a professional setting. And I find myself as I am reading this email, thinking "Wow! This sounds really cool! I should learn more about this opportunity!"
Because apparently some portion of my brain thinks I could actually fit this in to my life about now.
?!?!?!?!? Yeah, a Master's in Public Health is JUST what I need to complete my life right now, don't 'cha think?
I am pretty busy right now in my life. Adjusting, even after a year, to living in the townhouse, to working a lot on several projects, on handing over volunteer and staff duties while still supporting a lot of the volunteers and staff at Peace House, working with the boys on their schooling, trying to stay caught up for my book clubs, knitting for my soul, keeping the dogs exercised, trying to watch my own weight and fitness level (though that's a pretty passive role. I just keep watching, wondering if it will ever change.)
So about 10 minutes ago I get an email. From the University of North Dakota. They are announcing a new distance learning Master's in Public Health program for nurses. The focus is community and public health. They work with you to find communities near you to work with in a professional setting. And I find myself as I am reading this email, thinking "Wow! This sounds really cool! I should learn more about this opportunity!"
Because apparently some portion of my brain thinks I could actually fit this in to my life about now.
?!?!?!?!? Yeah, a Master's in Public Health is JUST what I need to complete my life right now, don't 'cha think?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Next Big Thing
I'm actually salivating at the thought of knitting this sweater. It was designed by a Danish knitter named Ruth, and it will be a challenge to hold off buying the yarn until I am done with the half-dozen or so other projects I have going ... The pattern is available online for free. We should make it a group project and all do it together, except the Knitting Queen isn't allowed to start until the rest of us have already done half the sweater. Otherwise we just get discouraged.
New Tattoo
I am SO wanting another tattoo. Only problems are:
1. What should it be a picture (or design) of?
2. Where on my body should it go?
I'm taking suggestions!
1. What should it be a picture (or design) of?
2. Where on my body should it go?
I'm taking suggestions!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Today's Political Report
A while back I wrote about the Will.i.am YouTube video for Barack Obama, Yes We Can.
Today my friend Diane directed me to the new YouTube video about McCain ... and I just had to post here about it, too.
On Carla's blog, she referred to me as a "proud democrat" who "takes the political process very seriously." And that is true, I guess, though I don't really consider myself an activist. But every once in a while I send out sweeping emails to everyone I know when an issue is near and dear to my heart. Most recently it's been gun control, and there actually is a new bill being considered in the Minnesota Legislature right now, and it's being referred to as the "Shoot First" bill. It's a bill which would make it easier for anyone to shoot first and ask questions later if they feel threatened in any way. Never mind that self-defense is already a stronghold in our legal system. Never mind that there are more gun deaths in our nation than any other. No, some people believe that we need more laws to protect people with guns who decide to shoot other people.
So, I am asking you to help me. Please. Contact your representatives and senators and tell them you do NOT want more freedom of gun use in our society today. Tell them to vote against Senate File 0446 and House File 498.
Please.
Today my friend Diane directed me to the new YouTube video about McCain ... and I just had to post here about it, too.
On Carla's blog, she referred to me as a "proud democrat" who "takes the political process very seriously." And that is true, I guess, though I don't really consider myself an activist. But every once in a while I send out sweeping emails to everyone I know when an issue is near and dear to my heart. Most recently it's been gun control, and there actually is a new bill being considered in the Minnesota Legislature right now, and it's being referred to as the "Shoot First" bill. It's a bill which would make it easier for anyone to shoot first and ask questions later if they feel threatened in any way. Never mind that self-defense is already a stronghold in our legal system. Never mind that there are more gun deaths in our nation than any other. No, some people believe that we need more laws to protect people with guns who decide to shoot other people.
So, I am asking you to help me. Please. Contact your representatives and senators and tell them you do NOT want more freedom of gun use in our society today. Tell them to vote against Senate File 0446 and House File 498.
Please.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Man Made Card
My friend Helen just sent me this link (apparently today is a big You Tube day in my world.) Those of you who have known me for a while know I used to be a Stampin' UP! demonstrator, and I still enjoy making greeting cards with friends.
When I used to do my demonstrations, women would talk about their husbands and the lack of understanding they received at home ("isn't it just cheaper and easier to BUY a birthday card?") - men just didn't get it.
Well, this man does. Enjoy!
When I used to do my demonstrations, women would talk about their husbands and the lack of understanding they received at home ("isn't it just cheaper and easier to BUY a birthday card?") - men just didn't get it.
Well, this man does. Enjoy!
World's Fastest Knitter
While at the Knit Out on Saturday, I had a brush with fame! Sitting directly behind me was the World's Fastest Knitter - complete with her Guinness World Record Certificate to prove it. Miriam Tegels of the Netherlands came to Minnesota just for this event!A local cameraman recorded her and put it on You Tube ... if you go watch the video, right at the moment she pulls out the certificate you hear a woman say "Look at that!"
That's ME :-)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Yarn, Yarn, YARN
Well, yesterday I once again fell under the spell of the Knitting Queen as she convinced me to attend the Great Knit-Out at the Mall. And let me tell you, it took a lot of work to convince me. I think we wrangled over it for at least 4 seconds and one email exchange.She actually was volunteering, teaching people to knit. Don't know that I have the patience to do that, but she did get an awfully nice thank-you goodie bag, so I may consider it next year.
I got some fun give-aways - patterns, a few skeins of yarn, some needles, a magazine. And we met a Knitting Author ...
Kristin Nicholas, and we both bought her book, had her sign it, and announced we were now her groupies. I don't know what she thought of that ... and I guess two 40-something moms saying they are groupies to a knitter is kinda odd (scary?)! But what I came away with most is that people are weird. I have never met a knitter, one-on-one, that I didn't like. But boy, put them in a group and put that group in a line - and they turn nasty fast!And the most bizarre thing about it is they stood in long (and I do mean L - O - N - G) lines for a VERY long time .... for nothing. The majority of booths were NOT giving away anything. Yet the people continued to stand in line and growl if you looked like you were looking at a booth over their shoulders without having done your time in the line. Quite by accident I ended up walking around the Mall THE WRONG WAY. I had no malicious intent, I was not trying to slip anyone a fast one. So I approached each booth facing the oncoming line, and I just. do. not. get. it.
Why they all chose to stand in line is beyond me.
Friday, February 15, 2008
A rough day
Good morning, all. I am having a hard time focusing this morning after reading about yet another school shooting. Each time I hear of this type of news I have feelings of fear, anger, shock, relief, and pretty much the same reactions as pretty much every other mom out there.
But this one hit a little closer to home. Remember how in the last post I said that one family was not in the group picture because they drove from northern Illinois? Well, Carolinda, the mom of that family, is a faculty member at Northern Illinois University - where the shootings occurred.
Carolinda and I have a shared history; we went to the same junior and senior high schools and while we were never close friends, we did know one another. Then later, in college, we lived in the same student cooperative, where again, we weren't close, but we share a lot of memories and have friends in common. We really enjoyed meeting up this week at the Dells, sharing what our lives are like now and reminiscing about the past.
Until a week ago I had never heard of Northern Illinois University. Now tragedy has struck, and I have a friend who is there.
So I'm having a bit of a rough day.
But this one hit a little closer to home. Remember how in the last post I said that one family was not in the group picture because they drove from northern Illinois? Well, Carolinda, the mom of that family, is a faculty member at Northern Illinois University - where the shootings occurred.
Carolinda and I have a shared history; we went to the same junior and senior high schools and while we were never close friends, we did know one another. Then later, in college, we lived in the same student cooperative, where again, we weren't close, but we share a lot of memories and have friends in common. We really enjoyed meeting up this week at the Dells, sharing what our lives are like now and reminiscing about the past.
Until a week ago I had never heard of Northern Illinois University. Now tragedy has struck, and I have a friend who is there.
So I'm having a bit of a rough day.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
People at the Dells
This is most of the group that went. We are here, waiting for the train to take us back to St. Paul. One family was from northern Illinois, so they drove - and thus are not in the station photo.
The train ride home was smooth and easy. The train ride there, however, was anything but. The train was scheduled to depart St. Paul at 7:50 AM, but the day before we heard that snowstorms out west had delayed its departure from Seattle, so we knew it was going to be a couple of hours late. We were not too disappointed with the thought of sleeping an hour or so later, so all was good.
We arrived at the station at 9:30 for the 9:55 departure ... at 9:54 they announced the train would be delayed another half hour. OK.
At 10:25 the train rolled in and the passengers leaving it were allowed off. We were not allowed on.
At 10:45 they announced a half-hour delay due to mechanical isssues. At 11:15 they announced another half-hour delay. At 11:20 one of our group volunteered to run to Subway, 2 blocks away, to get sandwiches for all us starving people. At 11:25 they announced immediate and rushed boarding for all passengers so that we could depart. At 11:26 we called the sandwich gopher and he rushed back, with 2 of the sandwiches in hand. Lucky Ben & Ty won the jackpot and got to eat.
At 11:45 we were still sitting at the station. At 12:00 the train moved. About 3 blocks. Then stopped again. We sat there for another 45 minutes. At 12:45 the train moved again. Backwards. Back to the station.
At 2:00 we finally departed for real. We SHOULD have arrived in the Dells around noon. Instead we got there about 7:30 PM. Tired. Hungry. BORED.
But once there, we checked in and hit the waterpark, and all was good.
Come back tomorrow for more pictures and stories!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Great Dells Adventure
The boys & I just returned from a whirlwind trip to the Wisconsin Dells ... a couple pics to whet your interest, and the rest of the story in a day or two!
We took the train from St. Paul to the Dells ... and that was an adventure all in itself! The station there was so cool, it was like stepping back in time.
(There is no one we know in this photo, it's just to give you an overview of our favorite part of the resort we stayed in.)
We took the train from St. Paul to the Dells ... and that was an adventure all in itself! The station there was so cool, it was like stepping back in time.
(There is no one we know in this photo, it's just to give you an overview of our favorite part of the resort we stayed in.)
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Why do people do this?
Recently for one of my jobs I was coordinating a group of high school students who were entering in a talent competition. There were clear rules about age, type of talent, and methods of performance. Very clear rules.
One mom asked me if we could bend the rules for her daughter. Asked me just 36 hours before the competition, too, mind you.
When I apologetically and sincerely replied that although I was pleased at her daughter's interest in our competition, we could not change the rules for her.
So the mother sent me a note saying I had missed something remarkable [by not letting her daughter compete] and that she truly felt sorry for me. And the attitude in the email was just plain snippy.
My first response was to laugh. Then I felt insulted, and wanted to write back to her and say not to waste her time feeling sorry for me, as I surely didn't need it. Then I wanted to add that I felt sorry for her daughter.
What I actually did was delete the email and chalk it up to life's experiences.
But it BUGS me. And obviously I am still thinking about it now, 8 hours later.
One mom asked me if we could bend the rules for her daughter. Asked me just 36 hours before the competition, too, mind you.
When I apologetically and sincerely replied that although I was pleased at her daughter's interest in our competition, we could not change the rules for her.
So the mother sent me a note saying I had missed something remarkable [by not letting her daughter compete] and that she truly felt sorry for me. And the attitude in the email was just plain snippy.
My first response was to laugh. Then I felt insulted, and wanted to write back to her and say not to waste her time feeling sorry for me, as I surely didn't need it. Then I wanted to add that I felt sorry for her daughter.
What I actually did was delete the email and chalk it up to life's experiences.
But it BUGS me. And obviously I am still thinking about it now, 8 hours later.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Man, I gotta get me a Coyote!
I love reading and looking at Daily Coyote - the pictures are wonderful and I daydream about the lives they are leading.
But today there was something new on that blog - this question:
Can I make a donation to you & Charlie & maybe even Eli?
And then this answer:
By popular demand, I bring you a Donate button. If people want to give me money for being alive, well, then I will let them. (Proceeds go to Charlie's happiness and safety; I still drive an '89 Ford with no power steering. At least it keeps me toned!)
Somehow I don't think daily pictures of a standard poodle would inspire people to send me money.
But today there was something new on that blog - this question:
Can I make a donation to you & Charlie & maybe even Eli?
And then this answer:
By popular demand, I bring you a Donate button. If people want to give me money for being alive, well, then I will let them. (Proceeds go to Charlie's happiness and safety; I still drive an '89 Ford with no power steering. At least it keeps me toned!)
Somehow I don't think daily pictures of a standard poodle would inspire people to send me money.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Prom Fiasco
This just in ... the Hollywood writers' strike is going to ruin Prom 2008.
How, you may ask?
Well, with the writers on strike, the awards ceremonies are in jeopardy. If the awards ceremonies don't happen, there is nothing to televise.
If there is nothing on television, the knock-off dress designers who each year fashion the season's prom selections off of the red carpet favorites have no inspiration.
If the knock-off designers have no inspiration, the young women preparing for the dance of the year then have absolutely nothing to purchase to wear.
You may think that the writers' strike is about television shows and Hollywood disputes, but this proves that it is affecting every family with a teenager in the entire nation. This tragedy is hurting every prom planner. This horrific situation could ruin the whole year for teenage girls.
They just don't realize the harm they are doing ....
How, you may ask?
Well, with the writers on strike, the awards ceremonies are in jeopardy. If the awards ceremonies don't happen, there is nothing to televise.
If there is nothing on television, the knock-off dress designers who each year fashion the season's prom selections off of the red carpet favorites have no inspiration.
If the knock-off designers have no inspiration, the young women preparing for the dance of the year then have absolutely nothing to purchase to wear.
You may think that the writers' strike is about television shows and Hollywood disputes, but this proves that it is affecting every family with a teenager in the entire nation. This tragedy is hurting every prom planner. This horrific situation could ruin the whole year for teenage girls.
They just don't realize the harm they are doing ....
Monday Morning Check-In
It's Monday. Another weekend over. Another list of plans which didn't go as planned. But it was a good weekend nonetheless ...
1. I cleaned. Not a ton, and really it was more putting things away than actual cleaning (no sponges were wet.) But it made such a difference in how I felt when I walked into the dining room to actually SEE the table, and to actually be able to sit in any of the 6 chairs that I wanted to.
2. I reconnected with a friend and we saw 27 Dresses. Chick-flick, romantic comedy, not gonna win any awards, but fun.
3. I continued a week of healthy eating and the dial on the scale moved a little more to the left :-)
4. I earned some money, working on a project for my Chicago client.
5. I bought yarn and knit a while ... total relaxation and food for my soul!
6. I took the dogs to the dog park. They have been so neglected lately between the extreme cold and my level of busy-ness, they have not had the opportunity to run and run and run for a few weeks. They loved it and my guilt was assuaged.
7. I bought milk. Seriously, this had been a problem for me lately, managing to get to the grocery store before running out and needing such basic staples as milk. So the fact that I remembered - and acted on it - before the boys came back from their dad's was pretty darn good!
Now for what I planned to do but didn't ...
1. Didn't get my financial stuff in order so that I can get my taxes done. (This was my #1 goal for the weekend. I made a small start.)
2. Didn't finish up a work project for a local client that is getting dangerously close to being delinquent (yuck).
3. Didn't change the sheets on the boys' beds. Oh well, they are kids.
4. Didn't excercise. But am continuing to pay my monthly fee to have the right to not exercise at the gym.
Well, 7 goods and 4 bads. Not a horrible ratio, I guess. And Good #3 has me happy this Monday morning!
1. I cleaned. Not a ton, and really it was more putting things away than actual cleaning (no sponges were wet.) But it made such a difference in how I felt when I walked into the dining room to actually SEE the table, and to actually be able to sit in any of the 6 chairs that I wanted to.
2. I reconnected with a friend and we saw 27 Dresses. Chick-flick, romantic comedy, not gonna win any awards, but fun.
3. I continued a week of healthy eating and the dial on the scale moved a little more to the left :-)
4. I earned some money, working on a project for my Chicago client.
5. I bought yarn and knit a while ... total relaxation and food for my soul!
6. I took the dogs to the dog park. They have been so neglected lately between the extreme cold and my level of busy-ness, they have not had the opportunity to run and run and run for a few weeks. They loved it and my guilt was assuaged.
7. I bought milk. Seriously, this had been a problem for me lately, managing to get to the grocery store before running out and needing such basic staples as milk. So the fact that I remembered - and acted on it - before the boys came back from their dad's was pretty darn good!
Now for what I planned to do but didn't ...
1. Didn't get my financial stuff in order so that I can get my taxes done. (This was my #1 goal for the weekend. I made a small start.)
2. Didn't finish up a work project for a local client that is getting dangerously close to being delinquent (yuck).
3. Didn't change the sheets on the boys' beds. Oh well, they are kids.
4. Didn't excercise. But am continuing to pay my monthly fee to have the right to not exercise at the gym.
Well, 7 goods and 4 bads. Not a horrible ratio, I guess. And Good #3 has me happy this Monday morning!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Brief Political Foray
A friend just directed me to this YouTube video, created out of / inspired by Barack Obama's speeches.
I am still wavering a bit on which candidate I am backing, but this video was powerful - and I think the message may resonate with you regardless of your candidate and even party choice. I think it captures what the average American is saying in this pre-election period, no matter which candidate you think is best prepared to make it come about.
(and it also shows me how techno-savvy and young-voter-oriented Obama's campaign staff is...)
(and it indicates to me that I am old and out of it, as I only recognized FOR SURE one person and I *think* I knew who two more were ...)
I am still wavering a bit on which candidate I am backing, but this video was powerful - and I think the message may resonate with you regardless of your candidate and even party choice. I think it captures what the average American is saying in this pre-election period, no matter which candidate you think is best prepared to make it come about.
(and it also shows me how techno-savvy and young-voter-oriented Obama's campaign staff is...)
(and it indicates to me that I am old and out of it, as I only recognized FOR SURE one person and I *think* I knew who two more were ...)
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Oh, just a normal Saturday .....
This is what two knitters do on a Saturday ... The Knitting Queen and I started at Depth of Field in Minneapolis, then went to the Yarn Cafe in Maplewood, then decided we needed to go to Coldwater Yarn in Excelsior. Six projects later I came home.
This pile will turn in to a felted bag, 3 pair of socks, a baby cardigan and hat, and a baby blanket.
CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Where's the beef? In my basement!
Yesterday I bought 141 1/2 pounds of beef! Yup, you read that right.
A former neighbor emailed a while back with the offer to go in on the purchase of a cow. Her aunt and uncle have a farm, Prairie Horizons, and they sell their beef directly to hungry families.
The boys and I had our first pound of ground beef today for lunch, and it felt so good to be cooking and eating it. I talk the talk a lot about going organic, eating foods with less processing, eating more whole foods, and focusing attention on what I put into my body and my children's, but it's sometimes hard to be consistent with those intentions.
A former neighbor emailed a while back with the offer to go in on the purchase of a cow. Her aunt and uncle have a farm, Prairie Horizons, and they sell their beef directly to hungry families.
The boys and I had our first pound of ground beef today for lunch, and it felt so good to be cooking and eating it. I talk the talk a lot about going organic, eating foods with less processing, eating more whole foods, and focusing attention on what I put into my body and my children's, but it's sometimes hard to be consistent with those intentions. Now I can feel good that not only are we eating high-quality, non-chemically "enhanced" beef, but I also am so pleased to be supporting a local family-run farm. And with nearly 150 pounds of it in my freezer (that was a quarter cow, for those who are wondering) I won't have to buy any for a long time. I just sent an email to a neighbor farmer of these beef people, where I can get pork and chickens. I am excited at the prospect of not having to purchase any meat products from the grocery store!
My freezer is full and my heart is happy.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
New Knitting ...
I am starting a sweater. I haven't made a sweater in over 20 years. Wish me luck! This one is supposed to be pretty easy, so we'll see. I love the asymmetry of the front, and the fun buttons. I am doing it in a beautiful Peruvian wool that is kind of blue-grey. Haven't picked out the buttons yet but I saw some that were made out of nuts when I bought the yarn that called to me.
I'll let you know how it turns out!
Monday, January 28, 2008
It oughtta be a holiday!
What fun to go to Google today and see this:
50th Anniversary of LEGOS!!!!!
In this household, that makes today pretty much a national holiday!!!
(Really, ask the boys in excitement? No, says the mother. Awww..... say the boys.)
Peer Gynt
This weekend I went to see Peer Gynt at the Guthrie. One of the treats I have allowed myself is season tickets to the theater. I have missed live theater in recent years and so when the Guthrie called last fall, I said YES, sign me up!
Peer Gynt was AMAZING. I beleive I read the book in a class on Ibsen at the University many, many moons ago. At least I have a copy of it, and two books on Ibsen, on my bookshelf. However, I have no memory of it at all. I was musing about it with the friend I took along to the play that perhaps I read it in Norwegian and that's why I remember so little ...but I don't own in in Norwegian, so it's going to remain a mystery.
What amazed me the most about this production was the translation. In reading reviews, I learned (or maybe re-learned?) that Peer Gynt as Ibsen wrote it is full of word play, rhymes, jokes and puns. In every English translation up til now, the translators have focused on getting the meaning of the play, keeping it amusing, but not putting in as many rhymes, jokes and plays on words as Ibsen did. I find that quite reasonable, I mean, how can you translate rhymes to rhymes - what are the chances that two words that rhyme in Norwegian are going to rhyme in English? How can you just make up rhymes in English and maintain the meaning of the original text?
Well, Robert Bly did. I still don't know how he did it, but he did, and he did an amazing job of it. (As an aside, who knew Robert Bly - I think of him as the man with drums - is fluent in Norwegian??)
Now I do want to go back and read it in its original format, to further my appreciation and amazement at Bly's miraculous work.
HIGHLY recommend this for those of you in the Twin Cities!
Peer Gynt was AMAZING. I beleive I read the book in a class on Ibsen at the University many, many moons ago. At least I have a copy of it, and two books on Ibsen, on my bookshelf. However, I have no memory of it at all. I was musing about it with the friend I took along to the play that perhaps I read it in Norwegian and that's why I remember so little ...but I don't own in in Norwegian, so it's going to remain a mystery.
What amazed me the most about this production was the translation. In reading reviews, I learned (or maybe re-learned?) that Peer Gynt as Ibsen wrote it is full of word play, rhymes, jokes and puns. In every English translation up til now, the translators have focused on getting the meaning of the play, keeping it amusing, but not putting in as many rhymes, jokes and plays on words as Ibsen did. I find that quite reasonable, I mean, how can you translate rhymes to rhymes - what are the chances that two words that rhyme in Norwegian are going to rhyme in English? How can you just make up rhymes in English and maintain the meaning of the original text?
Well, Robert Bly did. I still don't know how he did it, but he did, and he did an amazing job of it. (As an aside, who knew Robert Bly - I think of him as the man with drums - is fluent in Norwegian??)
Now I do want to go back and read it in its original format, to further my appreciation and amazement at Bly's miraculous work.
HIGHLY recommend this for those of you in the Twin Cities!
Health Update
Well, it's been a full week and I'm doing really well on the eating side of getting healthier, not so good on the exercise side, though. I actually dropped 5 pounds this week :-) I know from past experience that the first week is always big and then it tapers off, so I don't have huge expectations - but am celebrating this morning (I held off from weighing myself all week long until this morning.)
So - this week's plan is to hold steady with the food and bump up the movement.
So - this week's plan is to hold steady with the food and bump up the movement.
Friday, January 25, 2008
I habb a cohwd
Last night I was lying on the counch minding my own business when BAHM!!!
All of a sudden I have a cold. The yucky, achy, just want to stay in bed kind of cold.
Tomorrow better be better.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I think they do it on purpose
Well, I have just spent the last 65 minutes on the phone with Capital One. See, I have a Capital One credit card. They show these commercials all the time, and their website says, you can change your reward structure any time you want to. So heck, I believed them, and thought I would give them a call to make a change.
As soon as they found out the change I want involves lowering my interest rate, I got transferred to another department. There I was on hold for 23 minutes. I timed it. Then I got cut off.
So I started again. This time I started pushing "0" as soon as I was connected, to get a real live person. I got one, he was VERY friendly and accommodating, but he just didn't have the authority to make that kind of change, so he transferred me to Tammy in Account Management. Tammy was also pleasant and she said I had to talk to the Rewards Department. After being on hold for just 9 minutes this time, Tina in Rewards picked up the phone. She gave me all kinds of information about my existing account, information I already knew and which really isn't pertinent to the request I am making today.
When I told her my request, she said "You have to talk to an Account Manager to make that change." I said "but I just did talk to them and they transferred me to you!" ... pause ... "Can you hold while I explain it to them?"
So then I was back to a very nice man who sounded as if he was talking to me from India, which he probably was, but he was using a tin can and a string.
He confidently told me that I needed to apply to open a new account, then transfer the balance, and then close my existing account, and that he would be more than happy to transfer me to the people who could process all of that over the phone.
Hooray!
So he transfers me and I get a recording.
"Thank you for calling Capital One Account Opening Specialists. Our office is closed."
And I am still paying the higher interest rate.
They won this round.
As soon as they found out the change I want involves lowering my interest rate, I got transferred to another department. There I was on hold for 23 minutes. I timed it. Then I got cut off.
So I started again. This time I started pushing "0" as soon as I was connected, to get a real live person. I got one, he was VERY friendly and accommodating, but he just didn't have the authority to make that kind of change, so he transferred me to Tammy in Account Management. Tammy was also pleasant and she said I had to talk to the Rewards Department. After being on hold for just 9 minutes this time, Tina in Rewards picked up the phone. She gave me all kinds of information about my existing account, information I already knew and which really isn't pertinent to the request I am making today.
When I told her my request, she said "You have to talk to an Account Manager to make that change." I said "but I just did talk to them and they transferred me to you!" ... pause ... "Can you hold while I explain it to them?"
So then I was back to a very nice man who sounded as if he was talking to me from India, which he probably was, but he was using a tin can and a string.
He confidently told me that I needed to apply to open a new account, then transfer the balance, and then close my existing account, and that he would be more than happy to transfer me to the people who could process all of that over the phone.
Hooray!
So he transfers me and I get a recording.
"Thank you for calling Capital One Account Opening Specialists. Our office is closed."
And I am still paying the higher interest rate.
They won this round.
Wise Words
Many wise people have pointed out
that it is not so much
what we do
as it is how we do it
that makes the difference in our lives.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I'm so tech-savvy ....!!! HA!
You may notice I have a Dilbert thingee on the side of my blog now. It's called a Widget. Perhaps you already know what a widget is. I didn't. But now I have one. And I may not keep it but it was presented to me to try, so being the lemming I occasionally am, I dutifully followed the instructions and uploaded it to my blog.
I feel powerful :-)
I feel powerful :-)
Sunday, January 20, 2008
I'm going to bed now
I didn't do anything bad today so I am going to bed now before I ruin my record!
It's about health ...
OK, this year I didn't consciously make any resolutions, but I am announcing here and now - so you are all responsible for keeping me accountable - that I AM going to get into better shape in 2008. That almost rhymes ... shape-eight. Humor me.
Lately I have noticed how hard I breathe after minimal exertion, and sometimes when I lay in bed at night I feel my heart beating faster than I would like it to. I am tired too often, and not able to accomplish as much as I would like to in a day. Or a week. My hours are still pretty good though.
Everyday there are new headlines about what is good for you and what is not good for you, what will promote longevity and what will rush you to an early grave - obviously every one of those "discoveries" needs to be taken with a grain of salt (except those about blood pressure, no salt needed there), but the bottom line is ... yeah, we all know it, eat less and move more.
It's not about losing weight (not that I would mind that!) It's about my grandchildren, and being around to play with them.
So, today, January 20 - which is, by the way, my Mom's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! - is the beginning of my attempt to become healthier. Wish me well, and ask me frequently how it's going so that I know I have to answer to you as well as myself.
THANK YOU!
Lately I have noticed how hard I breathe after minimal exertion, and sometimes when I lay in bed at night I feel my heart beating faster than I would like it to. I am tired too often, and not able to accomplish as much as I would like to in a day. Or a week. My hours are still pretty good though.
Everyday there are new headlines about what is good for you and what is not good for you, what will promote longevity and what will rush you to an early grave - obviously every one of those "discoveries" needs to be taken with a grain of salt (except those about blood pressure, no salt needed there), but the bottom line is ... yeah, we all know it, eat less and move more.
It's not about losing weight (not that I would mind that!) It's about my grandchildren, and being around to play with them.
So, today, January 20 - which is, by the way, my Mom's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! - is the beginning of my attempt to become healthier. Wish me well, and ask me frequently how it's going so that I know I have to answer to you as well as myself.
THANK YOU!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Fun with Harry Potter
This morning I assigned the boys the task of reading a magazine article and then writing a summary or response in their writing journals. Ty found a fun article on the botany of Harry Potter and we wanted to share some of the things he learned.
1. Voldemort's wand is made of yew -- the tree of death.
2. Harry's wand is made of holly -- the bark of which is used for healing.
3. Lily's wand is made of willow -- the tree of sorrow and grief.
4. A mandrake is a real plant, which, according to lore, screams when you pull it from the ground. And look at the picture of the mandrake root - can't you totally see a person in there?
We are quite impressed with the research JK Rowling did and the meanings behind small details. I know Sirius is the dog constellation, and Lupus is a derivation of the Latin word for wolf. I know there are tons more - and I am betting at least two people will be able to share more that they know .... Carla & Shawn, we await your posts!!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
This just in!
On my way home from a meeting tonight I heard the latest news - the Golden Globes Awards were announced tonight (they did not have a whole big extravaganza show due to the strike) and ... as I called it here ....
Best Picture: ATONEMENT!
Best Picture: ATONEMENT!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Sock Mishap
Well I finished pair of socks #4. This is the first one I have done with "regular" yarn -- i.e., non self-striping. And I guess I need those stripes, as I made one sock a good half-inch shorter than the other one. See, with the striped yarn you can simply say "finish the sock at the end of the blue stripe" or whatever, and you don't need to measure. When you don't have those nice stripes telling you what to do and when, you actually have to pay attention.
Apparently this is an area I need some work in.
(And I can't take a picture because my camera battery is dead and I can't remember where I last used the charger!)
Apparently this is an area I need some work in.
(And I can't take a picture because my camera battery is dead and I can't remember where I last used the charger!)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Hmmmm......
Has anyone else ever noticed that the amount of time you wish to spend outside with your much-loved canine friends is inversely related to the amount of time so-named canines require to search out and find the exactly perfect spot to pee?
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
More Magic Socks!
I am liking wearing these homemade socks ... pair #4 is almost done; here are pairs #2 & 3 which I made while up north over New Year's.
My favorite part is that there are no seams! As one of those people who HATES seams and tags, I feel like I have found paradise when I wear these socks.
My favorite part is that there are no seams! As one of those people who HATES seams and tags, I feel like I have found paradise when I wear these socks. Plus it's just darn fun to follow the instructions on the written paper pattern and then look down in amazement as the yarn turns into a sock. It's still magic to me.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Barack and Hilary
This morning on the radio I was listening and the discussion was on Hilary's question of "where's the beef?" which she apparently queried regarding Barack's campaigning.
The announcer put forward a theory that at first I snorted at but then as he explained himself, I found myself wondering and agreeing it could be.
Hilary has always championed herself as a fighter for the people, but she also always chose a career and life path which put her in law firms and political situations. Barack never presents himself as a people's hero, yet his career path has been in grass-roots nonprofits and working to make changes for everyday folks.
So does Hilary look at his background and think to herself "that's what I wanted to do but couldn't (or didn't)?" And does she regret any of her choices which have now led her to a place where she has to publicly question someone who acted on what she claims to represent herself?
Somehow I don't think I am presenting this as clearly as the radio announcer did.
Is she on the offense, questioning him precisely because he has walked the walk while she has only talked the talk?
The announcer put forward a theory that at first I snorted at but then as he explained himself, I found myself wondering and agreeing it could be.
Hilary has always championed herself as a fighter for the people, but she also always chose a career and life path which put her in law firms and political situations. Barack never presents himself as a people's hero, yet his career path has been in grass-roots nonprofits and working to make changes for everyday folks.
So does Hilary look at his background and think to herself "that's what I wanted to do but couldn't (or didn't)?" And does she regret any of her choices which have now led her to a place where she has to publicly question someone who acted on what she claims to represent herself?
Somehow I don't think I am presenting this as clearly as the radio announcer did.
Is she on the offense, questioning him precisely because he has walked the walk while she has only talked the talk?
More on the Movie
Mama Ava wonders if I watched The Great Debaters thinking about how my ancestors could have been involved in race relations in the 1930s ... it is a good and valid question, and the answer is sort of.
Honestly, my forefathers came from other countries quite recently and stayed pretty much completely in Minnesota, so I while I don't know their feelings about people of other races, I am pretty confident they didn't participate in anything like was shown in the movie.
Not to say that they wouldn't have, had they been there. I believe you can't know what anyone would do in any given situation. There was a book written a few years ago by the sister of someone I know here in Minnesota. While the immediate family I know of was "all Minnesotan", there is one branch of the family that are true southerners, living for several generations in Mississippi. And there were some members of that branch who were quite prominant in the klan there. Apparently the Minnesota branch wasn't aware of the extent of the involvement until the research was done for this book, and it brought on some heated discussions and caused some splits in family relations. And it certainly doesn't mean that there is "bad blood" in that family, or change my opinion of the family members here. It just is what it is, I guess.
So maybe I project too much on the African-American boys I saw at the movie. Maybe they did sit there and watch and have the same feelings as I did, of horror that those things happened, but also didn't internalize it any more than I did. We can all sit now and say how wrong it was. And not have it be anything more -- nor anything less -- than that.
Honestly, my forefathers came from other countries quite recently and stayed pretty much completely in Minnesota, so I while I don't know their feelings about people of other races, I am pretty confident they didn't participate in anything like was shown in the movie.
Not to say that they wouldn't have, had they been there. I believe you can't know what anyone would do in any given situation. There was a book written a few years ago by the sister of someone I know here in Minnesota. While the immediate family I know of was "all Minnesotan", there is one branch of the family that are true southerners, living for several generations in Mississippi. And there were some members of that branch who were quite prominant in the klan there. Apparently the Minnesota branch wasn't aware of the extent of the involvement until the research was done for this book, and it brought on some heated discussions and caused some splits in family relations. And it certainly doesn't mean that there is "bad blood" in that family, or change my opinion of the family members here. It just is what it is, I guess.
So maybe I project too much on the African-American boys I saw at the movie. Maybe they did sit there and watch and have the same feelings as I did, of horror that those things happened, but also didn't internalize it any more than I did. We can all sit now and say how wrong it was. And not have it be anything more -- nor anything less -- than that.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
3-Movie Weekend
This weekend had been a triple screening one for me. On Friday evening I went with my folks to see Denzel Washington's new movie, The Great Debaters. 
It's the true story of a debate team from Wiley College in Texas in the year 1935. The all-black school invites schools all over the nation to challenge them to a debate, and eventually Harvard takes them up on it. It's well done and the characters are moving. But what I was most struck by was the 5 young men sitting in the row in front of us at the theater. They were all African-American and looked to be about 16 or 17, and I kept finding myself wondering throughout the movie what THEY were thinking as they watched the way the black students had to struggle to be taken seriously, and the way the white townspeople treated the college, its professors, and students. These young men could be only two generations removed from the families in the movie, they could have grown up with stories of how their own great aunts and uncles suffered. When they heard the same dialogue I heard, and saw the same action I saw, what were the thoughts they thought? Most definitely not the same thoughts as were in my head.
Then Saturday I saw Juno. Polar opposite in tone! Just plain fun, even with the subject matter being a 16-year old girl finds herself pregnant. Allison Janney (of The West Wing) was brilliant as the step-mother, and Jennifer Garner, not my favorite actress by any stretch of the imagination, was also quite good as the adoptive mom. Clever dialogue, interesting character development, enjoyable movie.
It's the true story of a debate team from Wiley College in Texas in the year 1935. The all-black school invites schools all over the nation to challenge them to a debate, and eventually Harvard takes them up on it. It's well done and the characters are moving. But what I was most struck by was the 5 young men sitting in the row in front of us at the theater. They were all African-American and looked to be about 16 or 17, and I kept finding myself wondering throughout the movie what THEY were thinking as they watched the way the black students had to struggle to be taken seriously, and the way the white townspeople treated the college, its professors, and students. These young men could be only two generations removed from the families in the movie, they could have grown up with stories of how their own great aunts and uncles suffered. When they heard the same dialogue I heard, and saw the same action I saw, what were the thoughts they thought? Most definitely not the same thoughts as were in my head.
Then Saturday I saw Juno. Polar opposite in tone! Just plain fun, even with the subject matter being a 16-year old girl finds herself pregnant. Allison Janney (of The West Wing) was brilliant as the step-mother, and Jennifer Garner, not my favorite actress by any stretch of the imagination, was also quite good as the adoptive mom. Clever dialogue, interesting character development, enjoyable movie.But today, I saw what should win Best Picture. Atonement. I knew the bare bones of the story line -- younger sister lies about older sister's boyfriend and then war intervenes with everyone's lives. But wow. Powerful. Compelling. Moving. I don't even have 
words to share my feelings. I was swept in to this story so completely, I was so emotionally involved, that I was completely exhasuted at the end of it and had to sit quietly in my seat for a while before I could even stand. Not having read the book I can't compare, but I have to believe this was an incredibly excellent screen play.
words to share my feelings. I was swept in to this story so completely, I was so emotionally involved, that I was completely exhasuted at the end of it and had to sit quietly in my seat for a while before I could even stand. Not having read the book I can't compare, but I have to believe this was an incredibly excellent screen play. I'm exhausted from all this entertainment. But it was so worth it, every minute.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)