tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50674482557277795992024-03-13T04:33:25.159-04:00thishful winkingWinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-30533081430749271652010-07-23T10:23:00.002-04:002010-07-23T10:25:51.484-04:00RejectionThere are few things more time-consuming and difficult than searching for a new job.<br />
<br />
Cleaning up your resume, creating new buzz words about your current <strike>indentured servitude</strike> job to attract interest, creatively enhancing your duties to fit in with the current corporate jargon. You take a look at your resume and you think, wow, it looks pretty good. I am marketable, my skills are in demand, I'm good at what I do, I have a really diverse set of abilities, I have a great work ethic, I'm a team player..........<br />
<br />
So, now you're ready, right? Ready to comb through the job posts on Craigslist, Monster.com, Washington Post Jobs on-line, Snagajob, etc etc. You plow through the hundreds of listings, and start to post your resume in response. Sometimes it takes a few minutes and you just attach your cover letter and CV. Other prospective employers want an aptitude test, Q&A and on-line application before you can even attach your resume. Close to 90 minutes later and you can finally hit "Submit". All in all, though, you must subtly tailor and tweak your resume and intro letter to the position you are applying for, and it then becomes a full-time job just LOOKING for a full-time job!<br />
<br />
You submit, at last count, 120+ responses to job postings.<br />
<br />
Aaaaaaaaaaaand.<br />
<br />
Nothing. Not a damn thing. No callbacks, no emails. Silence.<br />
<br />
So you wonder. What am I doing wrong? Is my cover letter too much? Or not enough? You start the process AGAIN, of really trimming the fat from your resume, and trying to make it clean and modern and appealing.<br />
<br />
Still nothing.<br />
<br />
Then one day you get a phone call. From a person who has no command of the English language, and is calling from a company you've never heard of. And you're pretty sure you didn't apply for a job with said company. And when you call the number, it's been disconnected.<br />
<br />
Talk about the proverbial wind out of the sails kind of feeling.<br />
<br />
A week or so later you get this: <em>"We were fortunate in the number of highly qualified individuals who applied for the position you sought. The process is now complete, and after careful evaluation, we have selected the candidate whose experience most closely matches our needs at this time. We regret to inform you that you were not a finalist."</em><br />
<br />
NOT EVEN A FINALIST? Then two more polite, and nicely worded, "<em>you aren't even close to what we want and we picked someone else and why did you even apply and keep trying and good luck with your job search and just crawl into that hole and"</em>...............Well, you know.<br />
<br />
Your self-confidence really starts to erode. You begin to question all of your career choices, your previous employment, your decision to stay at home with your children while they were young, giving up that Really Great Job so that you could be there for the kids. But, at the end of the day, you are certain that it was the right thing for them, and thusly, the right thing for you. So scratch that from the list of reasons why nobody wants you, as it a moot point. Your kids wanted you and there's no looking back.<br />
<br />
Is it me? Is it my cover letter? Is it my resume? Is it the economy? Is it the area? Is it the fact that I desperately need a better-paying job with health insurance and the universe is just screwing with me?<br />
<br />
Supposedly this region has the lowest unemployment in the nation, and yet, here I wait. Like the high school girl waiting to be asked to the prom. Ok, that was a <em>bit</em> melodramatic, silly and self-indulgent. But it's astounding how much your feelings of self-worth can be tied in to what you do for employment, and then to have nobody really give a crap, and not want to hire you? It is a bit deflating. <br />
<br />
If you are ever feeling a bit big for your britches, throw your resume out there into the wind and see how quickly you are humbled.<br />
<br />
Anyway, it's Friday, so I have the weekend to, once again, make myself more appealing and hireable and interesting than the other 21400 people who also need jobs in the Washington DC Metro area.<br />
<br />
Wish me luck.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-30168501850806097192010-05-31T10:22:00.017-04:002010-05-31T15:16:28.538-04:00In Memoriam<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black;">"When you go home, tell them of us and say, for their tomorrow, we gave our today."</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">John Maxwell Edmonds, WWI</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB5NLIREfm2p_JHvemmog_2aqWL-LJ_BA89sa4pNMfqrovdqdQfeN5hH6PLp1ieJnapt5cUZ5vBCa1coVZrgodM65UGB_tDnsZ5JjEwtKCKBFA312HgG4VdRYcBFEO7_1uSrAq-Dqo66w/s1600/headstones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB5NLIREfm2p_JHvemmog_2aqWL-LJ_BA89sa4pNMfqrovdqdQfeN5hH6PLp1ieJnapt5cUZ5vBCa1coVZrgodM65UGB_tDnsZ5JjEwtKCKBFA312HgG4VdRYcBFEO7_1uSrAq-Dqo66w/s640/headstones.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7Wb9Awl2i8MYQEtWPgey3AivhtBlDH4WnSD5trBfwJxc3rZGfnWYRfxcDxgakjW1dXJzb12F21lgPQd6sAVd9QoDUl__g-dGjGKXnY8m0Tw9pmzjH24Q77lci1DXtVaOK72YNG-KcJcb/s1600/section+60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7Wb9Awl2i8MYQEtWPgey3AivhtBlDH4WnSD5trBfwJxc3rZGfnWYRfxcDxgakjW1dXJzb12F21lgPQd6sAVd9QoDUl__g-dGjGKXnY8m0Tw9pmzjH24Q77lci1DXtVaOK72YNG-KcJcb/s320/section+60.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGE5TroyND-8DqVShd-RjTOgaDRaFVFvz1jIpYfbdMPu4ZHCNT9qhjG_cWhy-SioI1QV4lo-5aI3_32QZcUVURPwk8crOsZ8N0CiWqMhs_oQMsvzGdhROHLbUV1J1YuP8gMDQNX1Z09xWz/s1600/memorialday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGE5TroyND-8DqVShd-RjTOgaDRaFVFvz1jIpYfbdMPu4ZHCNT9qhjG_cWhy-SioI1QV4lo-5aI3_32QZcUVURPwk8crOsZ8N0CiWqMhs_oQMsvzGdhROHLbUV1J1YuP8gMDQNX1Z09xWz/s320/memorialday.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1NuuhpO4TSFRKY2BbRjUVAXmmdlM2-DUu77msmXyxLXTvLqsJqv12w0jX4jZnbik7aaBKtxSVAZ0lMwfcaMJvTTqHYQJuITiVPMBQv-ncvllDpEmOnm66tfFq_2tflMeXoHoJihBmNAE/s1600/taps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1NuuhpO4TSFRKY2BbRjUVAXmmdlM2-DUu77msmXyxLXTvLqsJqv12w0jX4jZnbik7aaBKtxSVAZ0lMwfcaMJvTTqHYQJuITiVPMBQv-ncvllDpEmOnm66tfFq_2tflMeXoHoJihBmNAE/s640/taps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"Fading light dims the sight, </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright. </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night. </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Day is done, gone the sun, </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Then good night, peaceful night, </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Till the light of the dawn shineth bright; </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night."</em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Taps</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k_DGBH_uuwevWfQ6-ZDeYAJSdqzTsEkXzrMmIgV62mpUbDj0jZTr2EtNa4euaRr6p8NM1FA69sluypOsBgQS8FzmPtZMpJr9cCsHVdbX-jkE6ae3OQEcWVISJ8wjPkHxvdWAgYhq0n_w/s1600/dover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k_DGBH_uuwevWfQ6-ZDeYAJSdqzTsEkXzrMmIgV62mpUbDj0jZTr2EtNa4euaRr6p8NM1FA69sluypOsBgQS8FzmPtZMpJr9cCsHVdbX-jkE6ae3OQEcWVISJ8wjPkHxvdWAgYhq0n_w/s640/dover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Henceforth, wherever thou may’st roam, </em><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>My blessing, like a line of light, </em><em><br />
</em></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Is on the waters day and night, </em><em><br />
</em></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>And like a beacon guards thee home</em></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Alfred, Lord Tennyson</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-39841867835960008962010-04-13T19:41:00.022-04:002010-04-14T11:40:23.375-04:00Light It Up Blue<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">April is <strong>Autism Awareness Month</strong>. Many countries around the world are trying to bring awareness to this developmental disorder by "celebrating" this cause during April. Kindof an odd way to put it I suppose, but at least it shows that humankind is making the effort to recognize that autism affects so many, and a greater understanding is needed all around. Doesn't matter to me what word is used, as long as people become more aware.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">Autism is a very complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS <strong>combined</strong>. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing by 10-17 percent annually. There is not an established explanation for this increase, although improved early diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons that often considered. Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism. (Check out </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/">Autism Speaks</a> for more information. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">A couple of years ago I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with an awesome little guy. He was diagnosed as being on the "spectrum", a term often used to describe those who have some sort of Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is called a "spectrum disorder" because it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There are such a wide range of issues, that it is extremely difficult to categorize and pigeon-hole each person, so sometimes the label "autistic" is used as the more generic term. Not my decision, just seems to be the way it goes. His issues were more severe than many, but less severe than others. The "spectrum" ranges from kids with mild language delays and social difficulties, to kids who have no language capability whatsoever and spend their days locked in their own little world. SUCH a wide array of symptoms that vary between each and every individual, which really makes this such a tricky disorder to diagnose, treat and manage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Anyway, his mom and dad needed someone with educational experience to hang out with him, tutor him, and just basically converse and socialize with him. I spent almost a year, 3-4 afternoons a week, working and playing with him. What a challenge. This was a kid who could count to 100 in English, German AND Japanese, but would literally poop on the floor of the bathroom if he didn't feel like getting up on the toilet. He could kick my butt in <strong><em>I Spy</em></strong>, but rarely met my own eyes. He could read about 500 words (he was 4 at the time), but wouldn't use a fork/spoon to eat. Sometimes he would laugh and giggle, but rarely at appropriate times, and on the rare occasion when he would meet my eye, or laugh WITH me, it was like the world would stand still it was so amazing. It was like a little gift each time it happened, and it just made me more determined to see that gorgeous set of blue eyes looking AT me, not through me. We had a great time most days, and I always had a real feeling of satisfaction when we'd do something different and he'd respond positively. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">I probably learned more from him than he learned from me. For example, I learned that my bruised feelings, when the "talking" Thomas book I bought irritated him more than pleased him, were incidental and insignificant. I never realized how grating and loud the book was until he clapped his hands over his ears and started to wail. My own kids had liked it, or at least tolerated it, but he quickly showed me that everyone has their own threshold and it was up to me to work within HIS parameters. I think most parents learn to be unselfish, and put the needs of their kids first, but parents of kids who have any type of issue learn this lesson all the more quickly. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">The most important thing that he taught me was to celebrate his passions, large and small. He had SUCH an intense passion for everything he loved. Right before I stopped going over there regularly, because he was getting ready to be in full-day kindergarten, his most favorite thing was a book of flags from countries around the world. He could name EVERY SINGLE FLAG AND COUNTRY, and we'd spend hours examining each one. There were hundreds of different flags, and I swear, some of them were nearly identical to those from other countries. Didn't phase him, though. His singleminded focus was a powerful thing to behold and his parents and I tried to channel that toward other more mundane tasks. I'd like to think it was working, and I am sure he's continuing to astonish his parents and teachers each day.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">The admiration I have for his mom and dad knows no bounds. Their advocacy for their son knows no limits. Their extraordinary patience, gentleness of spirit AND steadfast demand that he do all of the things any other boy his age would do, is going to help him for the rest of his life. He goes to school, church, plays soccer and takes music lessons. Just like many other little guys his age. He also has intense speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, is in special classes, and needs alot of TLC, but all of these things wrapped up in one package are going to help him to be a part of our society at large, just like anyone else. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">SO many people around the world are affected by Autism. Not just those who are diagnosed, but their parents, siblings, teachers, classmates. It can take much patience and love sometimes, but don't we all need that?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders need that special attention, and it is our job as a society to make sure that they, and the adults that they eventually become, get all of the help that they deserve. Autism is treatable. Children do not necessarily "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes. Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">There are several important bills moving through Congress that will have important effects on the autism community – safer educational settings (Keeping All Students Safe Act), better autism services (Autism Treatment Acceleration Act), greater financial independence (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act), better protection against toxic chemicals (Toxic Substances Control Act Reform, introduction anticipated soon), and more. For more information about this legislation and to take action to support it, visit </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.vote4autism.org/">Vote 4 Autism</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Below is text from the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon's <em>Message for World Autism Awareness Day</em>. I think it SO perfectly states what we should all keep in our hearts and minds when thinking about those in our world with ANY disability. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">"Autism is a complex and inadequately understood disability with a wide range of manifestations. Children and adults with autism – and, indeed, those living with disabilities in general – have a double burden. In addition to the daily challenges of their disability, they must also cope with the negative attitudes of society, inadequate support for their needs and, in some cases, blatant discrimination.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in May 2008, is a powerful tool to redress such situations. It aims to promote equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities. As of today, 144 countries have signed the Convention and 83 have ratified it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">World Autism Awareness Day is dedicated to creating greater understanding about autism and promoting universal adherence to the UN Convention. By combining research and awareness-raising efforts, we can provide adults and children with disabilities such as autism the protection, support and full membership of an inclusive society.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">As we commemorate World Autism Awareness Day 2010, let us remember that each of us can take on that responsibility. Let us join persons with autism, their families and their advocates in a community of voices for greater awareness and understanding. Let us also look within, and re-evaluate our attitudes and those of our societies so we can remove the prejudices that discriminate against persons with disabilities. Let us dedicate ourselves to creating a fair and caring society that affords true dignity and rights for all."</span><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L4ewpnATKjz_qeL-o5ZISMnOkqirl9f15_C8rFC09gTsPfTwZSKNn5g19RD82r9pxqvf7msLhKymAAwKlAoo1cjxZmGfqnQITStt_zx70jpvv7XbrF7osBiN4tfZtPB37Q-1QojL41y3/s1600/lightitupblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L4ewpnATKjz_qeL-o5ZISMnOkqirl9f15_C8rFC09gTsPfTwZSKNn5g19RD82r9pxqvf7msLhKymAAwKlAoo1cjxZmGfqnQITStt_zx70jpvv7XbrF7osBiN4tfZtPB37Q-1QojL41y3/s320/lightitupblue.jpg" wt="true" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">I am moved each and every time I read that statement and I am proud and happy to be participating in the "Light it Up Blue" campaign being used to promote Autism Awareness Month. It is a unique global initiative designed to help raise recognition and to shine a bright light on autism as a growing public health issue. On April 1, the eve of World Autism Awareness Day, the Empire State Building joined in and blue lights lit up the evening sky! The launch of this inaugural "Light It Up Blue" campaign was a success. Iconic landmarks around the globe joined the Empire State Building in New York City. The Willis Tower in Chicago, the CN Tower in Toronto and Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia – as well as airports, bridges, museums, concert halls, restaurants, and retail stores - were among the more than 100 structures in over 16 U.S. cities and nine countries around the world that were lit up in bright blue on the evening of April 1 – the first night of Autism Awareness Month and the eve of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), April 2nd. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">To show your support you can wear a blue bracelet, purchase a rainbow Autism Awareness ribbon, wear lots of blue, change your Facebook profile pic, use a blue font, post about it on your blog or twitter.......But mostly, you can just become more AWARE. That would be the biggest way to support those with autism.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Thanks for reading today and allowing me to use my blog as a forum to talk about a cause that I really believe in. Some days plain ole silliness abounds, but some days it's awesome to have a blog where you can get on your soapbox, just for a brief moment, and "shine a light" on something truly worthwhile.</span></div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-84075003551469982692010-03-29T21:08:00.004-04:002011-05-29T19:24:54.596-04:00reliefsheesh, what a day. pouring rain, car making a funny noise, AAAAANNNDDDD a trip to the vet for the Dog.<br />
<br />
must be Monday.<br />
<br />
The Dog, a 10 year old miniature dachshund, has been acting kindof funny for about the last 10 days. lethargic, not playing with her toys, laying in her bed, and worst of all she's been having trouble getting up and down the steps when she needs to go out.<br />
<br />
then, beginning on Friday night of course, because the vet is only open for a few hours on Saturday morning for appointments that cost a small fortune and really is Saturday that precious of a commodity, and if it is then why are you a doctor. oh.....sorry....i digress.<br />
<br />
anyway, on Friday night her symptoms got worse. her little tiny back legs were buckling a bit and she started walking like a crab. NOT good. i can tell this, and i'm not even a vet.<br />
<br />
called first thing this morning and got her an appointment. wrapped her up in her bed, thus protecting myself from her gigantic and ominous teeth, so that i could walk through the monsoon to the car. actually, her teeth aren't really all that gigantic. but they still hurt when they pierce your skin, let me tell you.<br />
<br />
she cried all the way to the vet, this being a dog who does not enjoy car rides in the slightest. so, again trudging through the raging typhoon, i get her inside, where she proceeds to behave like she is a 2 year old puppy with nary a symptom to be seen. those of you with children are very familiar with this phenomenon. child is barfing, feverish, hallucinating, speaking in tongues, hacking up a lung UNTIL you get into the exam room at the pediatrician's office, where they make a miraculous recovery, exhibit no signs of illness whatsoever and proceed to make you look like a red-faced bumbling idiot. this is the one time in your life when you actually WANT to hear the doctor say that your child has scarlet fever, hanta virus or ebola, just so that you are justified in being in their office.<br />
<br />
actually, once the adrenaline wore off, The Dog did make an effort to ACT like she might be hurting or that something was wrong. she did drag her back legs a bit, and it was obvious to the vet that she was suffering from a typical dachshund malady, problems with her spine - long and weiner-like that it is.<br />
<br />
i left her there in the office, or as the vet calls it, *in-house hospitalization* (i think mostly so that she can charge me more for 5 hours in their back room than you'd pay at a 4-star hotel). i authorized x-rays, blood work and a pain med injection (i considered asking for one myself at this point, believe me) so that we could rule out other issues.<br />
<br />
got the call a few hours later that The Dog did have some inflammation in her back/spine and that she'd be coming home with some anti-inflammatory meds and a prescription for reduced activity.<br />
<br />
big sigh of relief.<br />
<br />
i have lost sleep over the past few nights as i contemplated telling my 12 year old daughter that her beloved Dog might be not long for this world. i can't tell you how thankful i am that i can put that off for a while.<br />
<br />
we've had the "The Dog is getting older, and we need to remember that pets don't live as long as people" talk a few times lately, but this ailment really popped up out of nowhere and i was feeling woefully unprepared to have this conversation FOR REAL.<br />
<br />
so, $440 later, The Dog is sleeping in her bed, snoring loudly and peacefully, and my little girl is smiling and happy.<br />
<br />
that makes it all worthwhile.<br />
<br />
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</div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-33562155084307477592010-03-04T22:36:00.006-05:002010-03-04T22:45:46.315-05:00stymiedwoe.<br />
<br />
i've had a day where i said the wrong <em>thing</em> to Everyone, and Everyone said the wrong <em>thing</em> to me.<br />
<br />
why is it that some days <em>things</em> roll right off, and other days <em>things</em> stick like burrs you can't get out of your hair? <br />
<br />
maybe because it's been a LONG week. that's my story, anyway, and i'm sticking to it. truthfully though, it has been stressful, busy, hectic, and packed full of the little moments that leave a mark. and not in a good way. i feel like i have welts all over from the little slights and snarks.<br />
<br />
most of the time i'm pretty impervious to things like this and thick-skinned. not today. actually, not for the last few days. feeling put-upon (taken for granted, taken advantage of.....the list goes on) has left me headed for martyrdom. oh the drama.<br />
<br />
and lo, venting is required in order for a modicum of maturity to be regained. <br />
<br />
let it begin.<br />
<br />
i think the worst thing is when someone in a position of authority and responsibility continually falls down on the job, and isn't held accountable for it. everyone else mops up the mess, picks up the pieces, and keeps things rolling. but because they are adept at covering themselves, it doesn't come to light as quickly as it might otherwise.<br />
<br />
i personally think it's time for the buck to stop. while it is not particularly my job to point out these <strike>egregious</strike> <strike>grievous</strike> <strike>awful</strike> <strike>embarrassing</strike> <strike>constant</strike> <strike>stupid</strike> <strike>unacceptable</strike> errors, we are well into double digits (!) over the last two weeks. big things too, not little things. big things that really affect others.......this <em>someone</em> is in a position senior to me, but when the work/product overall is suffering and morale is sinking, what is the solution.<br />
<br />
these little fissures of resentment breed bitterness...............then respect starts to erode and your whole perspective begins to change. i think you're more likely to distrust an opinion when your internal radar is pinging, don't you? when you are thinking to yourself, "this person is continually dropping the ball, how can i support them and their decisions, as fully and totally as before".<br />
<br />
we all make mistakes, get distracted, lose focus every now and then. but when it becomes habitual and almost EXPECTED for this person to make these types of blunders, i think action is required.<br />
<br />
so, Heads Will Roll. let the Face Punching commence!<br />
<br />
nah, i just said that to get it out of my system. after verbalizing my frustrations, i feel a bit better already!<br />
<br />
now if i can just stop letting these frustrations get the best of me........<br />
<br />
maybe i'll be less like Cruella deVille tomorrow and nobody will want to throw me out a window.<br />
<br />
<em>while i might lose her personality, the white streak stays.</em>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-88896456403901256612010-03-02T20:22:00.006-05:002010-03-02T23:01:41.735-05:00sisterfriend supporter champion gift true confidante familiar collaborator treasure inspiration motivator idol forever believer ally advisor bond giver comrade advocate distinctive solace challenger savior extraordinary teacher<br />
<br />
<strong>heroine</strong><br />
<br />
i have sisters. each unique and matchless in their charm and in what they bring to the world at large. witty, smart, generous, elegant, kind, thoughtful, classy, selfless, funny, beautiful. they are so exceptional and i admire them all more than i can really articulate. that they are so fabulous shouldn't be surprising, as they have Our Mom as an example. it's certainly no secret that we worship the water she walks on.<br />
<br />
sisters are easily taken for granted as they are always THERE. when you need them and when you don't, but mostly when you don't <em>think </em>you need them, but deep down inside, you really do. that's actually when you need them most of all. <br />
<br />
the camaraderie, the solidarity, the unity.....can lift you when you are down, and hold you there until you can manage on your own. <br />
<br />
you are never alone as she is there in spirit, if not in flesh, and the connection that exists is the strongest, and sweetest, of all friendships.<br />
<br />
sisters are there to revel in your success, to share in your joy and happiness. to appreciate and empathize...............and mostly, to Understand.<br />
<br />
how lucky am i to have that four times over.<br />
<br />
these people say it better than i ever could....................<br />
<br />
<em>A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double.</em><br />
<br />
-- Toni Morrison <br />
<br />
<em>A ministering angel shall my sister be.</em> <br />
<br />
-- William Shakespeare <br />
<br />
<em>A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.</em> <br />
<br />
-- Isadora James<br />
<br />
<em>Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow.</em><br />
<br />
-- Benjamin Disraeli<br />
<br />
<em>A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.</em> <br />
<br />
-- Marion C. Garretty <br />
<br />
<em>We know one another's faults, virtues, catastrophes, mortifications, triumphs, rivalries, desires, and how long we can each hang by our hands to a bar. We have been banded together under pack codes and tribal laws.</em><br />
<br />
-- Rose MacaulayWinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-22854657613358227892010-02-26T19:37:00.004-05:002010-03-02T17:27:15.484-05:00Just Do Iti often dream that i am running.............weightlessly gliding across the terrain, heartbeat in my ears, effortless. i breathe easily, my stride is long and comfortable. it feels better than i could ever imagine. <br />
<br />
then i wake.<br />
<br />
if only i could translate that feeling into my normal day, when i'm actually awake and could use some peace and serenity. i have never LOVED running, but used to do it regularly for exercise and for the quiet it brought to my mind. few things top the feeling when you have finished a long run. the endorphin high lasts forever............<br />
<br />
sadly, that endorphin high is akin to the feeling gained after consumption of copious amounts of chocolate. or pizza. or BBQ potato chips. or genoa salami by the handful.......all of which completely counteract most of the benefits from the exercise to begin with.<br />
<br />
at any rate, going to the gym and running were a part of my daily routine for years. then came knee surgeries, professional demands, children...........it seemed that the hours of the day became less plentiful as each year went by, and the excuses multiplied faster and faster.<br />
<br />
what to do, what to do. how to re-motivate. how to make the time. how to grab that desire again. <br />
<br />
honestly, Motivation is all around me. i have friends in abundance, and sisters, who work out regularly, run, go to the gym. they are all so fit and look amazing. if that isn't Motivation, nothing is..............<br />
<br />
but there are always excuses. my latest one was The Snow. hard to run when it's freezing, snowy, windy, right? well, those excuses were pathetic this week as the weather actually improved, and much of the snow melted. to make matters worse, i really can't even use the weather as an exuse. i own a treadmill. YES, i do. it's in my office. currently its being used as storage for some files boxes, and some clothes that needed to dry. pathetic actually isn't even the word. appalling might come closer?<br />
<br />
i had to search elsewhere for some of that all-important Motivation.<br />
<br />
as is often the case: SHOPPING!!!!!! it becomes the cure for all that ails. seriously. i figured that if i had a new pair of running shoes, and some other miscellaneous running THINGS, well certainly i'd feel it necessary to put all to good use. <br />
<br />
sadly, when i started going through all of my "workout gear", and i use those two words very loosely, i discovered these items.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPclhvw-SC6wUCCOKtV4vshTS3nO4zjlSKJmO-yNe1uMidGAEoGdz4T9HXqm9s8vyym4RLp-Rw8FavJ1vPA3T3WnvxPFIRqTagZUWkdqxMwKnp4m_v0Rv-plGVGhuNy6d-Ao1RGN_rZJXo/s1600-h/workout1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPclhvw-SC6wUCCOKtV4vshTS3nO4zjlSKJmO-yNe1uMidGAEoGdz4T9HXqm9s8vyym4RLp-Rw8FavJ1vPA3T3WnvxPFIRqTagZUWkdqxMwKnp4m_v0Rv-plGVGhuNy6d-Ao1RGN_rZJXo/s640/workout1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">yep. brand new, tags still attached on all....................</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">then to make matters worse, much worse actually, i TOTALLY forgot that i had gotten <strong>these</strong> when i was supposed to be Christmas shopping for others!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy_NJocu0_AlnZcNfJfBkAvOqPma2jhITAL1x6a6mQHp9f7bX_xM-_gnl5LaLbCyLgiT_4W81TnJ44E1xQnXMP0cNErfD6SaXHp2BLsYRwX-HoGqxOEvR2VhjwbBX7Uyp5pK8Xaq0DH15/s1600-h/shoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy_NJocu0_AlnZcNfJfBkAvOqPma2jhITAL1x6a6mQHp9f7bX_xM-_gnl5LaLbCyLgiT_4W81TnJ44E1xQnXMP0cNErfD6SaXHp2BLsYRwX-HoGqxOEvR2VhjwbBX7Uyp5pK8Xaq0DH15/s640/shoes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">yay for me, i had actually taken them out of the box but, so far, they've only been used for walking into Starbucks and the grocery store (candy aisle of course), as i tried to maintain my strength to get gifts purchased and shipped over the holidays. hardly the thing that Olympic dreams are made of. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>so, it's back to the drawing board. <br />
<br />
soon i won't have the winter layer of sweaters, vests, and long-sleeves to camouflage the parts that have become...........fleshy. roundish. jiggly.<br />
<br />
and let's not even venture into swimsuit territory. <br />
<br />
oh. wait. I MAY HAVE JUST FOUND THE LAST SLIVER OF MOTIVATION. i really do not want to be mistaken for something mammalian that lives in the ocean.<br />
<br />
so. after i go out and buy some more cool, comfortable and fun things to wear, the workout regime begins in earnest.<br />
<br />
really.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-6578646139023640022010-02-07T16:36:00.004-05:002010-02-07T17:42:03.884-05:00superlativeswell, SnoTorious B.I.G. is now past. there almost aren't any words to describe the magnitude of snowfall, so i guess HUGE, GINORMOUS, RECORD-BREAKING will have to do. we got just a hair under 29" here in alexandria, and it was pure hell trying to dig out. while i tried to stay ahead of the snow by shoveling throughout the blizzard, it was still quite the task. losing power after the snow had ended was just the icing on the cake, to be perfectly honest. it got mighty chilly by morning with no electricity, that's for sure. and the loss of cable/internet/phone was absolute torture. i was feeling like laura ingalls wilder with candles and huge down comforters everywhere...........(now all i need is some fresh maple syrup to make candy and the picture will be complete). supposedly we're going to be hit with another significant "snow event" on Tuesday into Wednesday, but so far the newscasters are playing it down. i think it's so they won't be tarred and feathered in the streets of public outrage.<br />
<br />
i know that everyone can read all about The Historic Snowstorm on the internets, and newspapers, etc..........so i won't bore you with any more of that bunk.<br />
<br />
here are a few shots, though, for all of you out-of-towners, to give you an idea of just how much Fun we have (not) been having. i guess the fun starts after the shoveling ends?<br />
<br />
notice that the tree in my front yard is again featured prominently (and probably annoyingly, to most of you), but it helps to give me perspective......<br />
<br />
more photos can be found on my flickr photostream to the right, under "a day in the life" tab......<br />
<br />
the snowstorm was scary, cold, windy, icy, loud, and absolutely stunning in its power. Mother Nature sure does wash away the yuck, and leaves skies of cerulean blue that cannot be matched.............<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>the air has never been this crisp and clean.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNIbJmXtbZO1PXwAcyDuSrR2ONdGk7_mDnzYZ8PUuxPVfcUXX7jWQbIgH-YNKPdfV9lTt_OkYzP-PV2-Nd3nVtyXa3MA_xcYYWANEIh0-M4eslFZ7_7b66WMN_8_bIuZ-6C8-_OAAXyiE/s1600-h/DSCF1711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNIbJmXtbZO1PXwAcyDuSrR2ONdGk7_mDnzYZ8PUuxPVfcUXX7jWQbIgH-YNKPdfV9lTt_OkYzP-PV2-Nd3nVtyXa3MA_xcYYWANEIh0-M4eslFZ7_7b66WMN_8_bIuZ-6C8-_OAAXyiE/s640/DSCF1711.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhZwYCjb53LClksq0jfCxVcMGLTvpdPTLZXOj89BiEphBb-52vJ-bMZV3COGa1h8xE_lqF9ACIJuHbWpanGsVqdqNHCDRXqtYZ5ChLxg9lQin55kCXzTK6HRNaF19Dg3BuH4o5GegnKSN/s1600-h/DSCF1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhZwYCjb53LClksq0jfCxVcMGLTvpdPTLZXOj89BiEphBb-52vJ-bMZV3COGa1h8xE_lqF9ACIJuHbWpanGsVqdqNHCDRXqtYZ5ChLxg9lQin55kCXzTK6HRNaF19Dg3BuH4o5GegnKSN/s640/DSCF1703.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-64563800471916275582010-02-05T19:23:00.002-05:002010-02-05T19:25:24.462-05:00la nieve<strong>snow</strong>: <em>Snow is frozen water that falls from the sky. All snow flakes have six sides, but no two snow flakes are the same. Snow is precipitation in the form of small white ice crystals. Snow is formed from the water vapor in the air at a temperature of less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit.</em> <br />
<br />
<strong>blizzard</strong>: <em>A blizzard is a severe storm condition characterized by low temperatures, strong winds, and heavy blowing snow. By definition, the difference between blizzard and a snowstorm is the strength of the wind. Ground blizzards are a variation on the traditional blizzard, in that ground blizzards require high winds to stir up snow that has already fallen, rather than fresh snowfall. Regardless of the variety of blizzard, they can bring near-whiteout conditions, which restrict visibility to near zero. Blizzards have a negative impact on local economies, and can paralyze regions where snowfall is unusual or rare for days at a time.</em> (duh. see also: Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.)<br />
<br />
those are the Real and Official definitions. <br />
<br />
i prefer these, myself: <br />
<br />
blizzkrieg, blizzardpalooza, snowmageddon, snotorious B.I.G, snowpocalypse, feblizzard, snOMG, (or, in this case, snOMFG), the big snowbowski, snowtastrophe, shovelation, shoveltastic, snowgasm, snowzilla, snowbliteration, keyser snowze, snownami, oblizzarated,.............TAKE. YOUR. PICK. all monikers for our latest venture into Winter Wonderland..........<br />
<br />
and It Begins: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6XHSuL05O3BfZ6MXGOgX73CaMjS4NGV7Oi-dJZOq5GdXykFzLjzJGGQHfcRksqG2zWMC3A0KJDJcIp_lC6q2ORT5m0whfjzoUFA-V-5H6L47I7o4sqcVghc_y8jq6muatvwrCZsbGYgl/s1600-h/DSCF1662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6XHSuL05O3BfZ6MXGOgX73CaMjS4NGV7Oi-dJZOq5GdXykFzLjzJGGQHfcRksqG2zWMC3A0KJDJcIp_lC6q2ORT5m0whfjzoUFA-V-5H6L47I7o4sqcVghc_y8jq6muatvwrCZsbGYgl/s640/DSCF1662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">not too bad yet, but we'll see how it goes overnight, as we are expected to get 3" per hour at the height of the storm, with 24" on the ground by 11 a.m. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">hot toddy anyone?</div><div align="left"><br />
</div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-57635711755757005422010-02-03T11:26:00.007-05:002010-02-03T11:35:02.195-05:00concedingall i've been hearing all morning:<br />
<br />
"at least it's a PRETTY snow". wha??? who cares. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFC6DOdn-KhZ8aYlH7W7yOnX6bdcJAH-oSJdW5Q38Q5K8x6_CFidruxje6EaYMX5GKZa4aD6Of0c4FjyF7clO5_JHywJiHWQrOTBbWlW20VU2w1CF_QOxMIJ1Ksfpv11Ej-tm1enV287z/s1600-h/DSCF1656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFC6DOdn-KhZ8aYlH7W7yOnX6bdcJAH-oSJdW5Q38Q5K8x6_CFidruxje6EaYMX5GKZa4aD6Of0c4FjyF7clO5_JHywJiHWQrOTBbWlW20VU2w1CF_QOxMIJ1Ksfpv11Ej-tm1enV287z/s640/DSCF1656.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">well, ok, it was. kindof.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzFIoMhHeRGO2BbdDKq7mVrCIiwG-tXDOqLy1TspRfOB8kWnj5XvrOWhodldUd7qzf_fAjZ2jQTzMPawaCYVP-M2WnqMmf2ds-weLyVwkbjpNfJy197-C3N1vfpT-PPiBfiLsGr4NKO3D/s1600-h/DSCF1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzFIoMhHeRGO2BbdDKq7mVrCIiwG-tXDOqLy1TspRfOB8kWnj5XvrOWhodldUd7qzf_fAjZ2jQTzMPawaCYVP-M2WnqMmf2ds-weLyVwkbjpNfJy197-C3N1vfpT-PPiBfiLsGr4NKO3D/s400/DSCF1657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vPX_EjhcdxT2OHst6JgTK3coovPrT-gOWtgqOKIOQxWkaZHFLX4jLD7YHlXb92-yl803rvWWqawyLKwbLqZSiJQFVtzc4ErEL49ng7l366N56y5d_zmBOMfljALdBonXQfQ6LVoSCw1Q/s1600-h/DSCF1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vPX_EjhcdxT2OHst6JgTK3coovPrT-gOWtgqOKIOQxWkaZHFLX4jLD7YHlXb92-yl803rvWWqawyLKwbLqZSiJQFVtzc4ErEL49ng7l366N56y5d_zmBOMfljALdBonXQfQ6LVoSCw1Q/s400/DSCF1658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUnMMhAFohd3DkhDDvJi4A5q7jIRiF1AihsDXPpDGk0qVorXsZ2afq8VIwmj7nLaK97Gp0bRGukYL5w_nxc0LhmvSRxjvXUHexV8ac71HS5ucxf3vrn5t_R-PpsEcMm8JuyUyV83OC1jG/s1600-h/DSCF1659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUnMMhAFohd3DkhDDvJi4A5q7jIRiF1AihsDXPpDGk0qVorXsZ2afq8VIwmj7nLaK97Gp0bRGukYL5w_nxc0LhmvSRxjvXUHexV8ac71HS5ucxf3vrn5t_R-PpsEcMm8JuyUyV83OC1jG/s640/DSCF1659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tVPiYU9WnV9j2baf9qmHZOaYFoAtKnogFAcS1sKgeCht-_X8yDE3eq3UjeEcV6haVI_DQ-17_ZjKMdvasOO34oM6S8XJ5HipquTg6fBZwXQe9hruEDE_onq4f0W3mBFAX5u6zDud2SQs/s1600-h/eleanor_snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tVPiYU9WnV9j2baf9qmHZOaYFoAtKnogFAcS1sKgeCht-_X8yDE3eq3UjeEcV6haVI_DQ-17_ZjKMdvasOO34oM6S8XJ5HipquTg6fBZwXQe9hruEDE_onq4f0W3mBFAX5u6zDud2SQs/s640/eleanor_snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-83067965206052235692010-02-02T19:30:00.002-05:002010-02-02T19:43:49.890-05:00enoughapparently, via some weird time/space continuum, i now live in minnesota, greenland, alaska, or some other place where the godforsaken snow is not an anomaly, but a regular occurrence. so far this winter we have had one HUGE snowstorm (22" here), one medium sized snowstorm (7" here) and one small snowstorm (2-4") expected tonight. kindof like The Three Little Bears only colder, snowflakier and much less fun to read about.<br />
<br />
we live south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and any kind of snowfall wreaks havoc and mass confusion when it falls from the sky. even if it's just a little bit. so the snow-removal resources are already stretched pretty thin. and the general populace is losing its ability to deal with it mentally and emotionally. oh. it's just me? <br />
<br />
tonight's snow is supposed to be over around midnight, but school will probably be cancelled for tomorrow.....AAAAANNNNDDDDDDDDD. more snow expected this weekend.<br />
<br />
it was kindof fun the first time as we were prepared for it well in advance. it was really good sledding snow, so we made the best of it. it was cool to put on ski pants, hats, scarves, boots.............but that novelty wore off pretty darn quick. honestly, one storm --- that's all i really need. one good blizzard per year suits me just fine.<br />
<br />
i am now overdosed on snowflakes, and have no interest in seeing ANY. MORE. SNOW. <br />
<br />
so! Wishful Thinking:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7zeE8y-sT3OSuK2vBTechXc6y4I25FFqTPWFu6M61as9A8h2MtxpKCmGB7eXatNRxjVualGLVA4rJNaYJHImVb7YhGuBaz4_puWG4GKK4oMCDt9QjuzFWObCnh8XX5-GsvIgoLbBpue1/s1600-h/100_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7zeE8y-sT3OSuK2vBTechXc6y4I25FFqTPWFu6M61as9A8h2MtxpKCmGB7eXatNRxjVualGLVA4rJNaYJHImVb7YhGuBaz4_puWG4GKK4oMCDt9QjuzFWObCnh8XX5-GsvIgoLbBpue1/s400/100_0284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ9sZk8j4ynqiBw3fpl6NipKD_k2_QG2NoMUdU9p9TszAObV0IML0j3hUQjh_90f1D7HM5n_HQAIATuRFyvcoE9vY2V9zNNRC3_4Z9w041AaZG6jc7sxJb5Q1p9wCGo46Og_F-H5vt7Rp/s1600-h/DSCF1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ9sZk8j4ynqiBw3fpl6NipKD_k2_QG2NoMUdU9p9TszAObV0IML0j3hUQjh_90f1D7HM5n_HQAIATuRFyvcoE9vY2V9zNNRC3_4Z9w041AaZG6jc7sxJb5Q1p9wCGo46Og_F-H5vt7Rp/s400/DSCF1017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5iETbnOPSiEwvMOmlSOhj95RtRR83pVGPeODLlWSFPlBsXWhMH8N0mk8_9_UllFULW7I8I8IHTgfXBqCQ7Hj7Jzv-f0zGuZX_VA7tEo_Ty-XugF6Tw-dw1lSH1LiYr9kdR9uBmkp9h7I/s1600-h/DSCF1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5iETbnOPSiEwvMOmlSOhj95RtRR83pVGPeODLlWSFPlBsXWhMH8N0mk8_9_UllFULW7I8I8IHTgfXBqCQ7Hj7Jzv-f0zGuZX_VA7tEo_Ty-XugF6Tw-dw1lSH1LiYr9kdR9uBmkp9h7I/s400/DSCF1049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-9564371540879382512010-01-31T22:33:00.003-05:002010-01-31T22:57:01.516-05:00love<em>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails... And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.</em><br />
<br />
I Corinthians 13:4-13<br />
<br />
NOOOWWWWWW. those who know me know that i am NOT the religious type. as a matter of fact, i usually warn folks if i'm going to be near/in/around a church so that they can wear fire-retardant clothing.....lightning strikes are always a real danger. <br />
<br />
i have nothing against churches......or religion for that matter. ORGANIZED religion and i, however, have never been the best of friends. i dislike being told what to think, believe, have faith in. i hold on tight to my own personal faith, philosophy, belief system, values and spirituality. <br />
<br />
so for me to be quoting scripture is a bit.........alarming? strange? unsettling? never fear. i have not turned away from The Dark Side. i'm joking, obviously, as i know there are so many who hold scripture in high regard. as do i --- just not as the only guidebook for how to live my life.<br />
<br />
however, the verse above seems to be appropriate right now. with all of the tragedy in the world, LOVE is that one constant. we need it --- need to receive it, need to give it............need it for survival. we can survive without many things, but we do need love. it is a basic human need.<br />
<br />
<em>Fifty years ago at the University of Wisconsin, psychologist Harry Harlow believed that affection and connection were the foundations of life. In a landmark experiment, Harlow took baby monkeys from their real mothers, giving them wire "moms" devised to deliver milk. But the youngsters would only cuddle when their surrogates were covered in a furry cloth. These monkeys thrived, while those with the bare-wire models didn't. The results proved Harlow's theory that attachment to another is as crucial a drive as thirst, hunger and sex. (Natural Health, 2003, Jill Reimark)</em><br />
<br />
if we could all just give a little love to our fellow humans, i honestly believe that life wouldn't be so hard, all of the time. now, we can't prevent tragedies such as the one that has befallen the people of haiti. but, with loving hearts, if we give what we can, we can affect the lives of others in a positive way.<br />
<br />
i am trying to be more positive about everything. it is one of my RESOLUTIONS for 2010. but the crisis in haiti, our economy, the healthcare debate, the wars in iraq and afghanistan, hunger, discrimination......all of that Stuff is really testing that desire to see the good in all things. that and other Stuff, of course. the banal, mundane Stuff that tests us all on a daily basis. our own personal failings being high on that list.<br />
<br />
so i'm holding onto love a little bit tighter right now. hoping it can carry me through some Stuff..........Stuff in the world, Stuff in our country, Stuff in my family...........(my apologies to george carlin). and now i'll stop preaching and will jump down from the proverbial soapbox. <br />
<br />
love can't conquer all. but it can give us the strength to fight another day.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-60491959140165270852010-01-20T21:45:00.001-05:002010-01-20T21:49:46.106-05:00choices"eating handfuls of caramel popcorn. why, you ask? because it's.....HERE. on my desk. oh willpower, wherefore art thou? thus ends day 1 of the Fat Smash Diet."<br />
<br />
i posted the above on my Status Update earlier today. i just had to. i was truly so filled with self-loathing that i actually started cracking up inside, and had to laugh out loud at the absurdity! hating myself because i was enjoying the caramel popcorn so much! how messed up is that.<br />
<br />
part of my irriation at myself was because i had started the day off so well. non-fat yogurt, an egg white, and a banana for breakfast............a salad with grilled chicken, sunflower seeds and a teeny bit of dressing for lunch.........and then..........BAM. couldn't keep my hands out of the goodies. and then, you know what happened at dinner. i had already bombed so why not eat a second helping of lasagna and garlic bread, and make chocolate chip cookies. eat half the dough, and then 12 cookies. you know how it works - once you've blown the diet, why not BLAST IT INTO SMITHEREENS.<br />
<br />
i digress. anyway, i am determined to eat better. mostly because i want to work toward being more healthy overall, but also (and i'm not going to deny it), i'd love to drop a few pounds. i'm not overweight, not by any standard, but lately have felt kindof puffy and fleshy? pants are a bit tight, don't want to wear anything that might show the backfat, have to disguise the muffin-top...........you know the drill.<br />
<br />
so, over the weekend, at my bro-in-law's birthday party, another bro-in-law announced to me that he had lost TWELVE POUNDS IN TWELVE DAYS. (boy, did that statement ring in my ears for days). he looks great, and i am really glad for him. and he didn't say it in a "gloaty haha you suck" kind of way, but genuinely excited about it, and happy to share the method that my sister is helping him to execute. they have discovered a diet where you detox your body by cutting out most everything but fruits/veggies, beans/rice, egg whites...........basically you let your body recover from processing all of the junk we eat (meat and sugar being the big culprits), and your metabolism starts to scream and burns fat like crazy. my sis tried it a while back to kickstart her metabolism after having her second baby, and it worked well for her and for her husband. she is naturally slim and svelte, but this did help to get her metabolism where she wants it. now she looks like heidi klum. seriously. and if that isn't inspiration? i don't know what is.<br />
<br />
i just want something to get me motivated --- when you see results, it really (at least for me) confirms that i'm doing something good, and i want to keep doing it. even more than i want that bag of sour cream/onion potato chips and the 8 brownies that are left on the plate.<br />
<br />
so, today was Day Number 1. and it was a huge, epic fail. the funny thing is, i wasn't hungry. i just wanted something sweet and crunchy. so, tomorrow i'm going to make sure i have some apple slices and maybe some clementines on hand. and, keeping my fingers crossed, hopefully the guys at the office will have demolished that evil caramel popcorn so i won't be tempted.<br />
<br />
tomorrow is another day. as always. thank god.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-54330788442109644082010-01-19T14:33:00.001-05:002010-01-19T14:35:43.180-05:00duhi'm sure you've had one or two.<br />
<br />
that HOLY CRAP, OMG moment when you realize you've hit "reply all" on a snarky response to an email. oops. or you've accidentally sent out a Vaguely Inappropriate photo/video from the internets to your whole workplace email chain (in my case an entire elementary school) instead of to that one friend who would appreciate it, or at least wouldn't report you to the principal. or you've typed out a nasty email about Someone and then, i guess due to having that Someone on the brain, sent it TO THAT SPECIFIC SOMEONE. yep, that's me. all of the above.<br />
<br />
god i love computers, the world wide web, YouTube, email, FaceBook, Twitter............but the capacity for mortifyingly embarrassing moments seems to increase exponentially by each form of social media that you use.<br />
<br />
why can't we go back to the olden days of hand-written letters.....to the heartfelt personal notes. or even (though i detest the medium) to using phone calls to convey information, make invitations, reply and RSVP. <br />
<br />
phone calls, meh. i'm too boring. i run out of things to talk about almost immediately and i worry that the person i'm talking to will think that i've fallen asleep, am too stupid to speak, or just have no life at all. which is actually pretty close to the truth.<br />
<br />
and as for writing with pen/paper, i for one am WAY too lazy. i type so much faster than i write, and i'm actually not sure i could sit down and write a whole letter without 1) my hand cramping up, 2) losing interest so quickly that it would get tossed in the trash, 3) feeling that my penmanship is so hideous that i give up halfway through the first sentence, or 4) wondering actually who is worth all of the blood sweat tears that go into physically WRITING something with the instruments originally designed (by god, or whoever) to do so.<br />
<br />
but it would certainly lessen the chances for personal humiliation, wouldn't it. you'd actually be forced to remember who you're actually writing something for, and instead of popping off a hasty and probably somewhat thoughtless email, you might put more effort into the whole exercise.<br />
<br />
then again, typing an email does afford you the opportunity to instantly edit your words, and quickly organize your thoughts, unlike writing something longhand. unless you are using a pen with erasable ink. and do those things really work anyway? never, in my experience.<br />
<br />
i guess it's one of those double-edged sword types of situations. <br />
<br />
engaging your brain, and DOUBLECHECKING THAT EMAIL ADDRESS LIST, is probably the quickest and easiest way to avoid being fired, being un-friended, being un-followed, being disowned, and pretty much just being the biggest idiot on Earth.<br />
<br />
or so i've been told. by many.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-74603954791622884472010-01-17T11:33:00.002-05:002010-01-17T13:40:38.688-05:00aspirationstoday is the michelle obama's birthday, our First Lady. she is turning 46. which means she is kindof my peer, age-wise. within a few years, anyway.<br />
<br />
wow. am i an underachiever, or what...............she is a princeton and harvard law graduate...........and the First Lady.......and a mom...........and just generally a pretty cool chick.<br />
<br />
it's always interesting to look at people across the spectrum. whether you look at race, culture, age, sex, hometown, class, IQ, family background......that whole "nature vs. nurture" debate again i guess. i'm somewhat intrigued by that, if you hadn't noticed.<br />
<br />
astonishing the heights that some people rise to, and the lows that others fall to. or those who just stay right where they started. <br />
<br />
is it encoded in our DNA to be successful or not? some people certainly are born with more brain power, more ambition, more drive, more tenacity. some are content to be what their parents were, others are not. some are blessed with a bit of intervention from a teacher, a relative, or even a complete stranger --- that one person who gives you that "aha!!!!" moment where you know you can do great things........<br />
<br />
to some, it comes early in life. to others, later in life.............to the rest? not at all.<br />
<br />
which category do you fall into.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-77759708385959899862010-01-15T21:03:00.001-05:002010-01-15T21:21:06.419-05:00oh, bothersitting (no, slouching.....or maybe even laying) in my chair tonight............been in my pajamas since 6, pizza at 6:30, vegetative state by 6:45.<br />
<br />
i can't even summon the energy to make a sugar-searching walk to the pantry or fridge.<br />
<br />
so you KNOW i'm tiiiiiiiiiiiiired. when i'm too exhausted to perform my nightly ritualistic search for a yummy treat? yep, something's afoot.<br />
<br />
actually, i think it's probably a cold. the flu? or maybe a sinus infection...............or maybe just the change in barometric pressure as we shift from sub-arctic temps to balmy, spring-like temps within the space of a day or two. WTH.<br />
<br />
whine whine whine. oh god please don't let me get sick. oh.......wait......it's the night before a THREE DAY WEEKEND begins. of course i'm going to get sick........or one of the kids will. it's a certainty at this point.<br />
<br />
but then if one of us IS sick, we can make our monthly trek to the always entertaining Minute Clinic, a special place for those of us who only get sick on weekends and holidays. where we can sit with the huddled, germ-ridden masses and pray for death. and wait in endless lines for prescriptions.<br />
<br />
why can't germs be a little more considerate of my schedule.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-71315141011913456682010-01-14T17:41:00.001-05:002010-01-15T19:31:08.493-05:00givingthere are tragedies, and then there are TRAGEDIES. what we are witnessing in haiti right now surely qualifies as the latter. this horrendously poverty-stricken country has barely begun to heal after devastating hurricanes in 2008. and now Mother Nature comes through and bitch-slaps it again. horrific.<br />
<br />
it seems like the poorest countries, or at least areas of poor countries, are many times the hardest hit by these types of catastrophes. see also: rural china, indonesia, thailand, mexico. just unimaginable.<br />
<br />
most of us in the united states are very well-off compared to those in "third world" countries. while we have our fair share of poverty and hunger, for the most part we are blessed with decent infrastructure, electricity, running water and access to medical care. we can survive disasters because we can mobilize our citizens quickly, and can get help to those that need it.<br />
<br />
when you live in a place like haiti, you must rely on the rest of the world when disaster strikes. luckily the rest of the world is willing and able. the world's 911 force (thanks L, for coining that great term), our united states, is sending huge amounts of aid, as are many of the earth's other powerful countries.<br />
<br />
we should all do our part --- either by donating any $ you can, or by contacting your local church or red cross chapter, to see what else may be needed.<br />
<br />
it's times like these that remind us that we are all really the same. while some of us are fortunate enough to have all that we need, there are others who do not. you can make a difference: whether it is assisting a country like haiti during their time of need, or volunteering at a local homeless shelter, or pitching in to help our elderly citizens, or serving food at a soup kitchen, or just helping that family down on their luck. remember, we are all HUMANKIND.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-76949490481779845932010-01-09T13:36:00.002-05:002010-01-09T15:39:36.837-05:00complaintsWOW it's cold out there.......i know it's winter-time, but there's a reason (among many) why i live in The South. so i don't have to feel my lungs crunching with crystals every time i try to breathe outdoors.<br />
<br />
now i know i don't have to get out and chop wood, and scrounge for kindling, and skin animals for clothing. so i shouldn't complain, right? too bad, i'm going to anyway. so much for my new year's resolution that i want to be more positive, and find the upside in most things. some things just are not good. cold weather is pretty much at the top of that list. it makes me cranky to scrape the windshield, take the dogs out, wear a heavy coat, wipe my nose ENDLESSLY.<br />
<br />
how do minnesotans, and citizens in other hideously chilly states, function during the cold months? i've heard (never been there) that in the Twin Cities there are covered tunnels and walkways between buildings and parking lots. so there's that, at least. but if you live in the suburbs? wouldn't it just get to be mind-numblingly annoying to scrape, shovel, bundle, wrap, cover, and entomb yourself in multiple layers of clothing just to do your normal, everyday routine. each day. for MONTHS. with no end in sight.<br />
<br />
and if you have little ones? omg the horror. the snowsuits, the scarves, the mittens, the boots. not to mention the trussing in and out of carseats............i wonder if alcohol consumption is MUCH higher in the northern states during the winter months. <br />
<br />
ok, i'm much happier now. yes, it's very cold out there and will be for a while. but i know that soon we will have sunshine, warmth, flowers, green grass.....sneezing, itching, wheezing, humidity, sweat. oh bother. i guess i just can't be pleased.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-23129101608060991572010-01-01T14:56:00.003-05:002010-01-01T14:58:15.848-05:00sanctuarythere was a girl<br />
<br />
quiet and still, dark and halting<br />
<br />
small pieces and broken<br />
<br />
looking for the breath of rescue, sweetness and escape<br />
<br />
always lost always searching<br />
<br />
into her life came illumination, the radiance of daylight and moonlight<br />
<br />
casting the shadows away<br />
<br />
making her weightless and buoyant <br />
<br />
into her life came love<br />
<br />
you…..Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-65908761478667574582009-11-16T22:09:00.002-05:002009-11-17T21:16:19.518-05:00lie to meWhat would you do if everything that you knew, had ever known, was A Lie. A provocative thought, no? Let's say, for example, that you had been given up for adoption. Or you were kidnapped as an infant. Or, even worse, you thought you were an orphan, but your parents had been alive your entire life. And had chosen to send you away because you were a girl, not a boy. All of these scenarios are based on reality.<br />
<br />
Would you still be the same person?<br />
<br />
Nature vs. Nurture. Are you <em><strong>who you are</strong></em> based on your DNA? Or your upbringing.<br />
<br />
I think it's probably a little bit of both. I honestly think that, no matter what, I'd still be mostly Me. But I do believe that who raises us, who sets that example, helps to mold the original clay that was the original You.<br />
<br />
Would I still love sunshine, licorice, ocean water, tulips, bacon cheeseburgers? Yes, I believe I would. All of the emotions and feelings involved in loving THOSE things are sensory --- and probably hard-wired into my brain.<br />
<br />
But would I still be stubborn, good with kids, a music lover, a voracious reader, Type B, easily brought to laughter, generous................<br />
<br />
I'd like to think I have my parents to thank for that.Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-35177913321315669772009-09-16T20:58:00.002-04:002009-09-16T21:11:34.460-04:00like mother like daughterso, last night we made L's meatballs.....tonight we made a recipe courtesy of her daughter, my niece (thanks E!). pepperoni bread - i simply can't describe how really good it is. and how easy it is to make. even someone as culinarily-challenged (yes, i did just make that word up, shut up giada) as i am, managed just fine. actually, my daughter did most of the work, i just did the rolling before baking, and the eating after. add a tossed green salad and it's the perfect meal.<br />
<br />
<strong>E's pepperoni bread</strong><br />
<br />
1 tube ready/to/bake pizza crust<br />
pepperoni slices<br />
shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese (helps to ease the guilt)<br />
italian seasoning<br />
<br />
that's it, honestly. i love making things that don't require lots of ingredients.<br />
<br />
anyway, you roll the pizza dough out into a rectangle, then lightly sprinkle it all over with the seasoning. i've seen a recipe where you spread a layer of butter (!) on the dough before sprinkling the seasoning, but we wanted to eat chocolate chip cookies later so we skipped the butter fat. i don't think you need it at all, actually. then spread a layer of the cheese, then a layer of pepperoni, then another light layer of cheese. you can also sprinkle a little bit of grated parm on top for a nice twist.<br />
<br />
then you roll it (like you're making a jelly roll. not that i've ever done that, but that's what the "other" recipes say to do) and kindof press the edges closed. it looks like a fat dough meatloaf, or a rectangular calzone.<br />
<br />
bake at 375 for between 12-17 minutes (light brown) depending on your oven....<br />
<br />
slice and eat. a very quick and easy meal when you have sports practices, back-to-school night, and homework all at once (my life today).<br />
<br />
one note -- we used regular pepperoni, and while it was very good, it was a tad greasy as pepperoni is wont to be. i think we'll use turkey pepperoni (hormel makes the best and you can buy it in a little resealable bag) next time and see how it changes the texture and taste. it's probably much better for you too.<br />
<br />
sometimes these simple recipes are awesome to have in your hip pocket. i've GOT to get out of the habit of looking at the clock at 5:50 pm and realizing it's time for dinner and 1) not only do i not have a plan for what we are going to eat, but 2) i don't have anything from which to make a decent dinner.<br />
<br />
i think this is going to be one of my Go-To recipes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuOcOClzaNCndZRWgipEYFpVblFRomhaZPpZI-ga3h5MLav9swW_F4Sqzggss10lrGXk34xSqKZkWTfene35uFeW6o9EMvJaD0QHCUSs0IN9Bo_61KsMNyqKJ-v9CNnPeO8sHzbAvjKZ8/s1600-h/DSCF1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuOcOClzaNCndZRWgipEYFpVblFRomhaZPpZI-ga3h5MLav9swW_F4Sqzggss10lrGXk34xSqKZkWTfene35uFeW6o9EMvJaD0QHCUSs0IN9Bo_61KsMNyqKJ-v9CNnPeO8sHzbAvjKZ8/s320/DSCF1333.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_dVDsuuQQOk9b4ms3-7vTT9X1bo_A6YCXmJL2XipNDUgK0qeeKCUSiDczcZiV73yxPkR3CPRINJE-XcO8_Pe0R_eWm88ASIbQXOnhDkYPGlfhcMqFXBcDBKUrOLE0WSfEDHKrPh2mLXX/s1600-h/DSCF1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_dVDsuuQQOk9b4ms3-7vTT9X1bo_A6YCXmJL2XipNDUgK0qeeKCUSiDczcZiV73yxPkR3CPRINJE-XcO8_Pe0R_eWm88ASIbQXOnhDkYPGlfhcMqFXBcDBKUrOLE0WSfEDHKrPh2mLXX/s320/DSCF1337.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKX4qNyvaWcSNen3a6ICe59WCHuPZ6VpUKpzxyO5gSLb8ZGQ0pshSLcSWC68UpDW9_s20wIPO7-CgGClPyr83i7c0BMn9Mg2b-lLFCEyZ2xHqUNO5zHiDixLn5dTdcaLs2sHV6ckDGjpX/s1600-h/DSCF1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKX4qNyvaWcSNen3a6ICe59WCHuPZ6VpUKpzxyO5gSLb8ZGQ0pshSLcSWC68UpDW9_s20wIPO7-CgGClPyr83i7c0BMn9Mg2b-lLFCEyZ2xHqUNO5zHiDixLn5dTdcaLs2sHV6ckDGjpX/s320/DSCF1338.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKRvVNNR-sDWPKsEidrClUg9Oayd6kL9g6WQ8hV_GrvaR3sc2HxpNa8lXw6sxqWnxaPS1H4_QfZBFmIm4l4-S3CZubyTXto-iRCpWwaWM_dOGQKib3ZsDYGXUInJrJYYizNLc49nOOBCq/s1600-h/DSCF1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKRvVNNR-sDWPKsEidrClUg9Oayd6kL9g6WQ8hV_GrvaR3sc2HxpNa8lXw6sxqWnxaPS1H4_QfZBFmIm4l4-S3CZubyTXto-iRCpWwaWM_dOGQKib3ZsDYGXUInJrJYYizNLc49nOOBCq/s320/DSCF1341.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-90485465849907126312009-09-15T19:36:00.005-04:002009-09-15T21:59:03.486-04:00something newisn't it amazing that feeling you get when you try to do something for the first time --- and it works?<br />
<br />
try making meatballs from scratch. yes, i am on the north side of 40 and have never attempted it. but i was motivated by my sister's story of meatball-making with my two nephews, and how much fun it seemed. she is an amazing cook, and she really enjoys it. i don't. i cook so we can eat. period, the end. but i've got to do something to make the dinner-hour prep and cook time less onerous. less of a torture session, with audible sighs of distaste, and more something i look forward to - or at least something i can survive with a minimum of frustration. so i got my sister's recipe, hit the store and put on my apron. literally <strong>and</strong> figuratively. (i can hear the chortling from all who know me, but honestly i just didn't want to get <strike>sauce</strike> <strike>raw meat</strike> <strike>oil/grease</strike> crap all over my clothes. you know how i am when i eat, it's much worse when i cook. frightening.) anyway, they were really good (thanks L) and i'm a trifle embarrassed i was too intimidated to try them before now. not really all that difficult, and very tasty.....<br />
<br />
or, another new (and frankly, terrifying) thing........like writing a blog - and actually publishing it.....i really enjoy the blogs i read most days, and find myself feeling like they are my buds, my cohorts, my pals. they make me laugh, and they also remind me that there are other people/women out there who might be going through what i'm going through, or feeling what i'm feeling.<br />
<br />
my sosister-in-law (slang for sortof sister-in-law, she's actually my sister's sister-in-law) writes an on-line journal and i love it. i enjoy reading about the things that bring her happiness, and the things that challenge her....the funny things her kids do and say........and about the relationships with those she loves. you know, all of the important things in Life. she's a really good writer and i felt inspired after i started reading her posts on a daily basis (thanks <span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>girlysmack</strong></span>). <br />
<br />
so i figured that maybe writing one myself would be a good, even cathartic, experience. it certainly can't hurt, right? and even if it does, probably only for a little while. !!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
i'm a very private person, as my family can attest. i don't put myself Out There very much, and keep a lot of things inside. i'm one of those people who lets <strong>everything</strong> percolate for a while in my head......until i come to a solution or to a place where i feel better about things. i'm not a talker, a communicator or a verbalizer. it's a character flaw, or maybe just a character <em>trait</em>, but i'm pretty sure i'm hard-wired that way. sometimes it is actually physically impossible for me to talk about Anything until i've had a chance to go round and round in my brain and heart about it all. so having stuff out there that others can read has been kindof a big step for me. but i'm hopeful that putting things in writing will help me to get some clarity. the written word has a tendency to force you to look at things more concretely. writing also makes me feel ok about myself, as if i've actually accomplished something positive. and i'm in real need of that right now. so here goes. <br />
<br />
anyway, lately i've been feeling.........stagnant? stifled? certainly unmotivated and uninspired. i'm not sure. i've just been floundering. so i'm forcing myself to do things i don't regularly or normally do, in the hopes that i will snap out of this mini-funk and feel better. meatballing and blogging. wow.<br />
<br />
i'm actually thrilled that we had homemade meatballs tonight. maybe not an earth-shattering event for some, but pretty big for me. and i'm actually cool with writing about it and about other stuff too. <br />
<br />
i've been inspired by many, influenced by a few, and pushed by even fewer. meatballs and blogs. who knew.<br />
we'll see how it goes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P_YhiFYKkap8r0rIakiSiyavDLY8VjCRbfy7JgGa_q96MD3OXI0yL32FiiC6RUn1ZrgdUOA85xcnZ8bQaRyUO2mdB9uMDbc-id_vqX5ZZaZvBqdav0pAsAx4ahphmwLZ5Im9F7RLHttR/s1600-h/meatballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P_YhiFYKkap8r0rIakiSiyavDLY8VjCRbfy7JgGa_q96MD3OXI0yL32FiiC6RUn1ZrgdUOA85xcnZ8bQaRyUO2mdB9uMDbc-id_vqX5ZZaZvBqdav0pAsAx4ahphmwLZ5Im9F7RLHttR/s320/meatballs.jpg" /></a></div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-19014460734736650332009-09-14T17:29:00.002-04:002010-01-14T17:50:38.955-05:00babieshad the pleasure of spending the weekend with "the babies" as my daughter calls them. my 3 1/2 year old nephew and 2 year old niece. it was amazing.<br />
<br />
i love the unadulterated joy you feel inside when a child's face lights up when they see you.......or how their little sleep-creased pink faces, upon awakening from a nap, can make your heart actually skip a beat. my kids are older now so i don't get the unconditional displays of affection from them that i used to enjoy so much when they were little. but i still get immeasurable joy from the pleasure of their company.<br />
<br />
note to self about an interesting phenomenom - i had somewhat forgotten that a toddler's main job in life is to define the word "mercurial". the swift change from happy to angry to sad to joyful is exhausting to watch! can you imagine how tiring it is to actually BE that little person? <br />
<br />
i think that the memories of tantrum-filled days and restless nights mellow and fade with time. how else would we be able to gird ourselves for the challenges of teenagers?<br />
<br />
parenting. an amazing journey. <br />
<br />
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</div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-76523794858071292302009-09-13T22:31:00.002-04:002009-09-13T23:19:54.956-04:00endings.....<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">kindof just occurred to me that summer is really over. as in OVER. while the weather is still warm and the sun still bright, the kids are back to school, the pools are closed, there is no beach traffic on I-95, football has begun, and it's dark just after 7. i love summer. LIVE for summer. and this year has been no exception. i think i could live at the beach year-round - i love the ocean. the tranquility on a calm day, the angry water on a stormy day, the endless sound of the waves crashing........guess i'll keep buying lottery tickets.<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABB9fEpkm_cUqfc9J24s2bNhZCocFjzFSSekJh4qGAUgz4eFdMX-_86Rc74SOIC9Vb34LXxLdyYcxt7ciiM2A91_5hKsrbL1sPwTD5pDEwHoQMuJaraNSmAEMkKTwlMSTfL8lKPHsoV9g/s1600-h/100_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABB9fEpkm_cUqfc9J24s2bNhZCocFjzFSSekJh4qGAUgz4eFdMX-_86Rc74SOIC9Vb34LXxLdyYcxt7ciiM2A91_5hKsrbL1sPwTD5pDEwHoQMuJaraNSmAEMkKTwlMSTfL8lKPHsoV9g/s320/100_0271.JPG" /></a></div>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067448255727779599.post-31070524767754535352009-08-26T20:11:00.019-04:002009-09-14T16:53:01.355-04:00loss...<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">i'm so sad about ted kennedy's passing today.....whatever your political leanings, it can't be denied that his efforts for our citizens were amazing.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />
i think he spent the last 40 years perhaps atoning for his own sins ---- and attempting to make things right?<br />
<br />
i always get a tightness in my throat when i think about the losses that this family has suffered. for, at the very heart of things, they were A FAMILY. mother, father, children, grandchildren.....they had problems just like we all do. and while they may not have had the financial struggles that many of us face, they certainly have had their own personal suffering and crosses to bear. i can relate to that. losing a son, father, sister, brother, uncle? how do you recover. and they suffered those losses many times over.....<br />
<br />
president kennedy was assassinated before i was born, and robert kennedy was killed when i was a toddler. but the tragedy that has befallen this family is still one i can understand. how hard to lose so many loved ones.<br />
<br />
but it truly seemed, when john kennedy, jr. died, that Fate had become a punitive and deliberately cruel member of this family. to lose him in the prime of his life? it must have brought them all to their knees - there certainly was a collective sorrow among us all for this man who would never grow old....a man who forever captured our hearts with that salute as his father's casket passed. it felt as though we had lost someone we knew.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">i will never forget an interview ted kennedy gave afterward and the poignant tribute that came to an end because teddy, overcome with emotion, simply could not continue. the loss was simply too much to bear. he looked like a sorrowful and wounded old man at that point - a man suffering greatly over the loss of his beloved nephew who had "every gift but length of years".</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">feeling very fortunate today that my family members are all alive and well. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">and grateful that there are citizens among us who are willing to fight for those less fortunate, the down-trodden, and those discriminated against. ted kennedy wasn't a perfect man, but really, who is? i think, since i'm not the Judge and Jury, that it's enough he spent most of the rest of his life trying to make things better for as many as he could.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">i remember reading about a letter that jackie kennedy onassis wrote to him, thanking ted for his participation in caroline's wedding in lieu of her father, president kennedy.....jackie was said to feel that his devotion to SEVENTEEN children, in addition to his own, made him a hero. she wrote, "On you, the carefree youngest brother, fell a burden a hero would beg to be spared. Everyone is going to make it because you are always there with your love." she continued on and noted that he never missed a single, significant event for any of those children. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">fatherless children, yes, but without a father figure? never.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">yes, a hero.</span></span>Winkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956369296904590996noreply@blogger.com0