Halloween. What can I say? Loved it as a kid, but can't really get into it as an adult.
I enjoy dressing up for work when everyone else participates also, but there's something a little creepy about adults without children handing out candy to other children. And while we're here, let's talk about that whole concept. Who came up with the idea of having kids go around to people's houses and beg for candy? It's a bit bizarre.
This year we had about 30 trick or treat-ers, give or take. I bought a large bag of candy at Sam's Club that had 110 pieces of Hershey's chocolate: Hershey's bars, Almond Joys, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats, and Whoppers (malted milk balls). In past years I've been annoyed by the rudeness of trick-or-treaters: No thank-you's, no Happy Halloween's, and lots of asking for more candy than what they've been given. This year, however, I found the kids who came by to be more well-mannered. Only a handful of the kids stood there with bags still open after receiving their candy.
I do feel like there should be an age limit. I think my parents made me stop after 8th grade, and I think that's a good time. I don't enjoy opening the door to 6 foot tall masked figures begging for candy. There should also be a time limit. When Halloween falls on a Sunday or weeknight, it should be understood that trick-or-treating stops at 8 p.m. People have to get ready for work the following day and don't appreciate people in costume banging at their door late at night. And, why would someone allow their school-age trick-or-treating child to be up and out that late?
Maybe I'm turning into a humbug, or maybe my points are valid. I hope you all had a Happy Halloween!
PS - Do people in other countries celebrate Halloween? Is it similar to the way Americans celebrate?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Kudos to the Sandpaper Fist
Everyone has experienced the Sandpaper Fist at least once. I didn't coin this phrase - it actually came from a friend of my husband's. I shouldn't have to explain it to you either, because if you've experienced it you know it. *
I would like to recognize the SPF for being a regular presence in my life. Sometimes it brings me great laughter, and other times it just, well, hurts. So, kudos to the Sandpaper Fist! Where would I be without you?
*If you need further explanation, email me and I'll explain.
I would like to recognize the SPF for being a regular presence in my life. Sometimes it brings me great laughter, and other times it just, well, hurts. So, kudos to the Sandpaper Fist! Where would I be without you?
*If you need further explanation, email me and I'll explain.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Pare it down
I feel like I need to write tonight, but I am suffering from some serious writer's block. For like the first time in oh, let's see....EVER, I cannot think of a blog-worthy topic. S0 I'm going to revert to a journal-style blog tonight in which I recap my day for you, and maybe by the end I'll find something important to pull out of it.
Today I spent the day with my mother-in-law and aunt-in-law cleaning out my grandmother-in-law's house. (For those of you that have not been following regularly, she passed away on Monday). Fortunately for us, she was a very neat and organized person and out clean-out session was very productive. We made it through three bedrooms in about five hours, and I'm talking dressers, closets, and everything in between. Many things were donated to the Rescue Mission. Participating in this task today made me realize how much crap I'm holding onto and cramming into my own house. I have a hard time letting go of things because somewhere during my life someone must have drilled into my head that I might be able to find a use for them some day. But after cleaning out a well-organized person's house today I realized that in the end it's all just stuff that nobody else really wants. It only becomes a burden for the people left to clean up after you when you've gone. Needless to say, I've been inspired to go through my own things and pare down. Starting tomorrow.
For anyone else that is also inspired, or maybe those of you that need some inspiration:
http://organizedhome.com/
http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-stuff.htm
http://blisstree.com/live/how-to-start-getting-rid-of-stuff-get-rid-of-maybe-items-207/
http://www.discardia.com/2003/09/getting_rid_of_.html
http://www.fool.com/personal-finance/general/2007/08/29/get-rid-of-your-stuff.aspx
http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-7-Questions-To-Help-You-Get-Rid-Of-Stuff&id=500714
Today I spent the day with my mother-in-law and aunt-in-law cleaning out my grandmother-in-law's house. (For those of you that have not been following regularly, she passed away on Monday). Fortunately for us, she was a very neat and organized person and out clean-out session was very productive. We made it through three bedrooms in about five hours, and I'm talking dressers, closets, and everything in between. Many things were donated to the Rescue Mission. Participating in this task today made me realize how much crap I'm holding onto and cramming into my own house. I have a hard time letting go of things because somewhere during my life someone must have drilled into my head that I might be able to find a use for them some day. But after cleaning out a well-organized person's house today I realized that in the end it's all just stuff that nobody else really wants. It only becomes a burden for the people left to clean up after you when you've gone. Needless to say, I've been inspired to go through my own things and pare down. Starting tomorrow.
For anyone else that is also inspired, or maybe those of you that need some inspiration:
http://organizedhome.com/
http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-stuff.htm
http://blisstree.com/live/how-to-start-getting-rid-of-stuff-get-rid-of-maybe-items-207/
http://www.discardia.com/2003/09/getting_rid_of_.html
http://www.fool.com/personal-finance/general/2007/08/29/get-rid-of-your-stuff.aspx
http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-7-Questions-To-Help-You-Get-Rid-Of-Stuff&id=500714
Friday, October 22, 2010
They Come
I don't know anyone that enjoys funerals, but I find that I particularly hate them. Mostly. I do like that family you might not often see gets to reconnect, even if only for a short time and under unfortunate circumstances.
I like wakes (for what they can do for a grieving family, not because I think they are fun). As a family member it's wonderfully comforting to see people come to say their goodbyes to your loved one. It reminds you that they were valued in their lifetime, and that people liked them enough to bare the elements to come say goodbye. That's a testament to their earthly life. I also love the stories that people share of your loved one. You know that family member in many ways, but their friends and other people are often able to relay stories that widen your perception of your loved one. It helps to create a different picture of that person and can put a smile on your saddened face.
I like to think that our loved ones who have passed attend their own wakes and funerals. On a couple occasions I have actually found that to be true. When my grandfather died about five years ago we took him (his body) for one last drive past my grandparent's house on our way from the funeral home to the church. The hearse led the way, stopping in front of the house. We pulled up behind the hearse and my dad rolled down the window and said something like, "One last drive past the house, Dad. Say goodbye." It was a cold, rainy, and dismal January day. There was no breeze outside; the air was very still. As we all looked toward the house, the limp American flag on the flag pole lifted up and stood at attention. It then started flapping wildly, even though there wasn't any breeze. My grandfather was a World War 2 Navy veteran that had lied his age to serve in the South Pacific. He loved his country as much as he loved his family, and for years he wore an American flag design bucket hat wherever he went. When we saw that flag start wildly waving, we knew it was my grandpa. As we started driving away, the flag dropped to its original droopy position. At the beginning of his funeral mass the lights went out for about a minute, then came back on. Call me crazy, but I believe that was his way of saying he was there with us.
Here's another example. Today was my husband's grandmother's funeral. She was a woman with a very funny sense of humor, so earlier in the week I told him to pay attention today because it could be likely his grandmother would send some sort of sign. We got it at the cemetery. It was the end of the pastor's speaking part, and she threw a handful of dirt on the casket. Others came forward to do the same. The sun went behind the clouds and hail started falling sideways. This little hail storm didn't end until the last handful of dirt was thrown on her casket, and it didn't hail for the rest of the day. My husband squeezed my hand and laughed. We knew his grandma was there making her presence known (and probably saying, "Stop throwing dirt on me!"). Even the funeral director mentioned the extraordinary event.
I do think our loved ones have ways of letting us know they have safely passed into the next life, and we can see these ways if we pay attention and allow our minds to be open.
This is a quote that was read at Gen's funeral today, and I think it's just a perfect tribute to her life.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!"
Be sure to enjoy the people you love while they are on this earth.
I like wakes (for what they can do for a grieving family, not because I think they are fun). As a family member it's wonderfully comforting to see people come to say their goodbyes to your loved one. It reminds you that they were valued in their lifetime, and that people liked them enough to bare the elements to come say goodbye. That's a testament to their earthly life. I also love the stories that people share of your loved one. You know that family member in many ways, but their friends and other people are often able to relay stories that widen your perception of your loved one. It helps to create a different picture of that person and can put a smile on your saddened face.
I like to think that our loved ones who have passed attend their own wakes and funerals. On a couple occasions I have actually found that to be true. When my grandfather died about five years ago we took him (his body) for one last drive past my grandparent's house on our way from the funeral home to the church. The hearse led the way, stopping in front of the house. We pulled up behind the hearse and my dad rolled down the window and said something like, "One last drive past the house, Dad. Say goodbye." It was a cold, rainy, and dismal January day. There was no breeze outside; the air was very still. As we all looked toward the house, the limp American flag on the flag pole lifted up and stood at attention. It then started flapping wildly, even though there wasn't any breeze. My grandfather was a World War 2 Navy veteran that had lied his age to serve in the South Pacific. He loved his country as much as he loved his family, and for years he wore an American flag design bucket hat wherever he went. When we saw that flag start wildly waving, we knew it was my grandpa. As we started driving away, the flag dropped to its original droopy position. At the beginning of his funeral mass the lights went out for about a minute, then came back on. Call me crazy, but I believe that was his way of saying he was there with us.
Here's another example. Today was my husband's grandmother's funeral. She was a woman with a very funny sense of humor, so earlier in the week I told him to pay attention today because it could be likely his grandmother would send some sort of sign. We got it at the cemetery. It was the end of the pastor's speaking part, and she threw a handful of dirt on the casket. Others came forward to do the same. The sun went behind the clouds and hail started falling sideways. This little hail storm didn't end until the last handful of dirt was thrown on her casket, and it didn't hail for the rest of the day. My husband squeezed my hand and laughed. We knew his grandma was there making her presence known (and probably saying, "Stop throwing dirt on me!"). Even the funeral director mentioned the extraordinary event.
I do think our loved ones have ways of letting us know they have safely passed into the next life, and we can see these ways if we pay attention and allow our minds to be open.
This is a quote that was read at Gen's funeral today, and I think it's just a perfect tribute to her life.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!"
Be sure to enjoy the people you love while they are on this earth.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Purple or Pink?
Rough day. My head hurt for most of it and I couldn't get a single productive thing done at work. All I want to do is collapse in my bed with a book. I'm never at a loss for something good to read, but today I got lucky. A book I saw at Barnes and Noble (and later ordered from Borders with a gift card) greeted me on my doorstep this afternoon. THAT put a smile on my face. The author is Robert I. Sutton, PhD, and I'll let you do some internet searching to figure out the title. I CANNOT WAIT to read it!
Here's the gist. We all come in contact with people that irritate us on a regular basis. We might even find ourselves saying, "What an asshole!" I find that I am feeling this way more and more lately, but it helps to surround yourself with positive people to offset the irritations caused by others. I seriously don't understand why people can't be nicer to each other. It seems like people are quite competitive with each other, and thus less likely to help each other. I feel like so many people just want so badly to get recognized for their accomplishments that they have no problems pushing other people out of the way via means of backstabbing, bullying, or pulling stunts to make others look bad (or they want attention off themselves so they blow other people in). And yet we continue to show signs of being a society of mediocrity. Here is my wish. I wish people would just do their job as it is defined and be helpful to others. I really don't think that's so hard. As a result, people would probably be happier. This might lead to people being less stressed and thus healthier. I think all of our lives would improve if we only stopped focusing on ourselves and how we are perceived by others, and instead started focusing on how our actions affect others. Let's be more considerate. Wear as many colors together as you can tomorrow to show your support of a kinder, happier, more unified society of people! (keep reading and you'll understand this)
When I logged onto Facebook this afternoon I noticed that apparently people were supposed to wear purple today to show support for the anti-bullying of gays. It turns out I had worn purple today. Coincidentally. But it was nice to know I had contributed to a positive movement in some way. I scrolled down the page a little ways and noticed that today is also Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which means we were supposed to wear pink in support. Who decides the dates of such clothing support, and why were they on the same day? My gut feeling is that since Breast Cancer Awareness has been around for years, today should have been pink day. How frustrating for people who wanted to support both causes! Purple and pink don't really go together well, unless they are in a patterned design. Not to mention the fact that most men don't own purple OR pink, so that eliminates most of their support. So again, who decides? And why the show of colors? How are the colors decided? If a person doesn't wear that color, is it assumed by others that he or she doesn't support that particular cause? I'm just confused....someone please explain.
I can't wait to hear about your Thursday outfit choices!
Here's the gist. We all come in contact with people that irritate us on a regular basis. We might even find ourselves saying, "What an asshole!" I find that I am feeling this way more and more lately, but it helps to surround yourself with positive people to offset the irritations caused by others. I seriously don't understand why people can't be nicer to each other. It seems like people are quite competitive with each other, and thus less likely to help each other. I feel like so many people just want so badly to get recognized for their accomplishments that they have no problems pushing other people out of the way via means of backstabbing, bullying, or pulling stunts to make others look bad (or they want attention off themselves so they blow other people in). And yet we continue to show signs of being a society of mediocrity. Here is my wish. I wish people would just do their job as it is defined and be helpful to others. I really don't think that's so hard. As a result, people would probably be happier. This might lead to people being less stressed and thus healthier. I think all of our lives would improve if we only stopped focusing on ourselves and how we are perceived by others, and instead started focusing on how our actions affect others. Let's be more considerate. Wear as many colors together as you can tomorrow to show your support of a kinder, happier, more unified society of people! (keep reading and you'll understand this)
When I logged onto Facebook this afternoon I noticed that apparently people were supposed to wear purple today to show support for the anti-bullying of gays. It turns out I had worn purple today. Coincidentally. But it was nice to know I had contributed to a positive movement in some way. I scrolled down the page a little ways and noticed that today is also Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which means we were supposed to wear pink in support. Who decides the dates of such clothing support, and why were they on the same day? My gut feeling is that since Breast Cancer Awareness has been around for years, today should have been pink day. How frustrating for people who wanted to support both causes! Purple and pink don't really go together well, unless they are in a patterned design. Not to mention the fact that most men don't own purple OR pink, so that eliminates most of their support. So again, who decides? And why the show of colors? How are the colors decided? If a person doesn't wear that color, is it assumed by others that he or she doesn't support that particular cause? I'm just confused....someone please explain.
I can't wait to hear about your Thursday outfit choices!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Loss
Dying is a part of life, unfortunately. I don't think anybody really wants to die. To quote the singer/songwriter Kenny Chesney, "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to go now." There's a part of all of us that knows death is inevitable, and most of us fear it. Maybe that fear comes from not knowing what is in store for us after death, or from feeling like we're not ready. We have ideas about what life is like after death, but I guess none of us really know for sure. Death carries a tremendous amount of mystery and uncertainty with it.
I've read a lot of books about the afterlife, specifically those written by psychics and mediums who proclaim to be knowledgeable in that area. I guess one day we'll all discover the truth, but until then I'd like to think that there is life after death and that it's just as glorious and perfect as the Bible and these mediums say. As you know from reading my previous post, I had the privilege of attending a John Edward show this past weekend. One of the most important things I took from his show was that there is no pain on The Other Side. Any pain people experienced in this life before crossing over goes away. That is very comforting to hear, especially since two of my grandparents have crossed over after being in a lot of physical pain. I like to believe that their pain does not follow them to the next life. We don't want anyone we love to be in pain. Yet while these thoughts of the afterlife are comforting, they don't make dealing with loss any easier.
My husband's family has suffered a great loss today. My prayers are with this person's soul, and I hope that on her soul's journey to heaven she experiences true love, happiness, and peace as she is reunited with loved ones who have passed before her. May God bless and bring comfort to her family in this time of sadness.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Pumpkins are better than men
versus
Today I went to a John Edward (psychic, not politician) event. I volunteer at a venue in downtown Syracuse, so I not only got to watch for free but I had the opportunity to be a microphone runner. Such an interesting experience.
On the way home, I heard the end of a radio joke about how pumpkins are better than men.
1. Every year you get a brand new crop to choose from.
2. No matter what your mood is, pumpkins are always ready to greet you with a smile.
3. One usually makes a better pie.
4. They are always on the doorstep there waiting for you!
5. If you don’t like the way he looks, you just carve up another face.
6. If he starts smelling up your place, you can just throw him out.
7. From the start you know a pumpkin has an empty, mush filled head to begin with.
8. A pumpkin is turned on (lit-up) only when you want him to be.
As funny as some of these might be, I can probably think of 8 reasons why men are better than pumpkins.
1. Pumpkins can't love you back.
2. Pumpkins aren't good cuddlers.
3. Pumpkins won't warm up your bed on a cold winter night.
4. Pumpkins can't give you children.
5. Pumpkins can't give you a kiss goodnight.
6. Pumpkins can't have a conversation with you (if yours can, that's an entirely different issue)
7. Pumpkins can't help you navigate through life's tough moments (unless you can throw your pumpkin at someone or something)
8. Pumpkins can't give you a lifetime of cherished memories.
Pumpkins are seasonal and usually overstay their welcome. Not many people want to see a pumpkin past Halloween, and Thanksgiving is pushing it (especially if there is an early snowfall). Pumpkins can't dry your tears, comfort a bruised heart, or offer a hug. Pumpkins can't build decks, remodel kitchens, or repair broken pipes.
I'd take my man over a pumpkin any day.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Courtesy Curtsy
This afternoon became a "me" afternoon. I inadvertently left my gym bag at home this morning after fighting with Moe to go downstairs and rushing out the door to get to work on time. Then my after-school tutoring session was canceled. So, with nowhere in particular to go except an empty house, I took off for my second-favorite place: Barnes & Noble. Barnes & Noble is to me what a candy store is to children. I always start by perusing the new arrivals. About five books into my scan, I came across a book with the title, Is It Just Me?: Or Is It Nuts Out There? I was immediately interested. Then I saw the author. Whoopi Goldberg. Now, I don't mind Whoopi, but she can be strongly opinionated and outspoken and she's pretty much the reason I stopped watching The View. But something made me open the cover and read the inside flap.
Here's a short excerpt: "Have you noticed that things aren't as civil as they once were? Or that rudeness is no longer an exception but a lifestyle? Sure you have. All you need to do is set foot outside your door to see that bad manners are taking over everywhere. People are yakking on cell phones in restaurants, even at church. Folks in carpools wear enough cologne to make our eyes bleed. Complete strangers think it's OK to rub a pregnant lady's belly. Passengers abuse flight attendants, family outings to the ball park are ruined by rowdy drunks . . . a congressman heckled the President of the United States."
Heck yes, I've noticed! Who hasn't? I've been in a movie theater when a woman not only left her cell phone on so that it rang, but she then ANSWERED it THREE times and had short conversations. Loudly. On my way to Barnes & Noble a woman did an illegal U-turn in the street and then opened her window and proceeded to yell at me for not giving her enough room. On my way into Barnes & Noble in fact, a woman on her cell phone let the door slam in my face TWICE. That was all just within a half-hour.
It's highly coincidental that I would stumble upon this book today, because yesterday while walking through our neighborhood I noticed that people are lacking basic social courtesies. When I was a kid we were taught to say hello to people we knew. I'm not referencing strangers here, because stranger-danger was drilled into our heads, too. (In my family we had code words and the whole shebang). I'm talking about neighbors that I live next to not saying hello or giving a wave when they see you outside. Countless times I've given the wave and smile and gotten a blank stare in return. While I'm standing in my driveway and them in theirs. Talk about an awkward moment. While walking yesterday I saw a neighbor approaching with his young kid and dog. We were the only people on the street. As they got closer I opened my mouth to say "hi", but stopped when I realized the man put his head down and wasn't going to reciprocate. I wanted to scream, "Hey, remember me? I bought a pond at your yard sale and you offered to walk it over to my house. We had a conversation, albeit a short one, but a conversation nonetheless! How can you pretend we don't know each other?" When did looking people in the eyes and exchanging a cordial greeting become the way of the past? No wonder people have so many relationship problems - we don't know how to communicate! And what happened to common courtesy? It's apparently out to lunch with common sense.
Ron Clark wrote a book titled The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child. It specifies 55 essential rules to basically prevent kids from becoming adult jackasses. Look a person in the eyes when they are speaking to you. Wash your hands before you eat. Stand to the right on escalators. Basic information that some people already know and incorporate into their daily living, but that most people need to learn. I think we could all benefit from a trip back to kindergarten to learn simple manners because it's so clear that people have either forgotten them, don't care about them, or never learned them in the first place. Before we try to fix the bigger problems of the world (world peace?), I think we should start examining our own daily practices and rethink how and why we treat the people we encounter on a daily basis like they are invisible. Practice a little common courtesy. Hold the door for someone. Let someone merge in traffic. Say hello to a co-worker. Maybe even ask him or her how they are doing. You never know, you might find an unexpected friend. Maybe you won't. But at least you won't be perceived as a total jerk.
Here's a short excerpt: "Have you noticed that things aren't as civil as they once were? Or that rudeness is no longer an exception but a lifestyle? Sure you have. All you need to do is set foot outside your door to see that bad manners are taking over everywhere. People are yakking on cell phones in restaurants, even at church. Folks in carpools wear enough cologne to make our eyes bleed. Complete strangers think it's OK to rub a pregnant lady's belly. Passengers abuse flight attendants, family outings to the ball park are ruined by rowdy drunks . . . a congressman heckled the President of the United States."
Heck yes, I've noticed! Who hasn't? I've been in a movie theater when a woman not only left her cell phone on so that it rang, but she then ANSWERED it THREE times and had short conversations. Loudly. On my way to Barnes & Noble a woman did an illegal U-turn in the street and then opened her window and proceeded to yell at me for not giving her enough room. On my way into Barnes & Noble in fact, a woman on her cell phone let the door slam in my face TWICE. That was all just within a half-hour.
It's highly coincidental that I would stumble upon this book today, because yesterday while walking through our neighborhood I noticed that people are lacking basic social courtesies. When I was a kid we were taught to say hello to people we knew. I'm not referencing strangers here, because stranger-danger was drilled into our heads, too. (In my family we had code words and the whole shebang). I'm talking about neighbors that I live next to not saying hello or giving a wave when they see you outside. Countless times I've given the wave and smile and gotten a blank stare in return. While I'm standing in my driveway and them in theirs. Talk about an awkward moment. While walking yesterday I saw a neighbor approaching with his young kid and dog. We were the only people on the street. As they got closer I opened my mouth to say "hi", but stopped when I realized the man put his head down and wasn't going to reciprocate. I wanted to scream, "Hey, remember me? I bought a pond at your yard sale and you offered to walk it over to my house. We had a conversation, albeit a short one, but a conversation nonetheless! How can you pretend we don't know each other?" When did looking people in the eyes and exchanging a cordial greeting become the way of the past? No wonder people have so many relationship problems - we don't know how to communicate! And what happened to common courtesy? It's apparently out to lunch with common sense.
Ron Clark wrote a book titled The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child. It specifies 55 essential rules to basically prevent kids from becoming adult jackasses. Look a person in the eyes when they are speaking to you. Wash your hands before you eat. Stand to the right on escalators. Basic information that some people already know and incorporate into their daily living, but that most people need to learn. I think we could all benefit from a trip back to kindergarten to learn simple manners because it's so clear that people have either forgotten them, don't care about them, or never learned them in the first place. Before we try to fix the bigger problems of the world (world peace?), I think we should start examining our own daily practices and rethink how and why we treat the people we encounter on a daily basis like they are invisible. Practice a little common courtesy. Hold the door for someone. Let someone merge in traffic. Say hello to a co-worker. Maybe even ask him or her how they are doing. You never know, you might find an unexpected friend. Maybe you won't. But at least you won't be perceived as a total jerk.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Provide for the pets
I don't know about anyone else, but those ASPCA commercials rip my heart out and make my eyes tear every single time they play over the television. The faces of the little animals are so sad!
As a kid I had a guinea pig for a little while until I woke up one morning to find her (Twinkles) missing from her cage. Apparently she had died the previous day and I hadn't noticed, so my parents removed her dead body and we later buried it in the backyard. A few years later I was able to convince my parents that despite my previous track record I was older and more responsible so they bought me a hamster. I named her Chip Mint, after my favorite ice cream. We bought her a three-floored "hotel" with metal cage-style walls and a red bottom. I cleaned her cage semi-regularly and played with her a lot. We even bought one of those clear exercise balls for her to run around the house. I didn't really like picking her up though. She was quick and her claws freaked me out when they touched the skin on my hands. The gate on her cage was faulty and she got out more than one time. Once she was missing in the house for three days. I think my brother finally found her behind the couch. Another time my brother and his friend took her out to play with her, but they got distracted. She wandered off and was found a few days later. Needless to say, I really wasn't proving to be the best pet caretaker. So it wasn't surprising that my parents wouldn't get my brother and I a dog. Until one day...
I was sitting at the dining room table one Wednesday evening making campaign cards for 8th grade student council elections. My dad came in from work and told my brother to go out to his truck and grab his gym bag. My brother came in with the cutest little beagle puppy! While my brother and I were elated, my mother was not. She closed herself in my parents' bedroom for the night. Anyway, we named the puppy "Willy" and we had him for twelve years. He was a great dog for most of his life, although in his last years he was quite mischievous. Making up for lost time I guess. I wonder how much money my dad spent bailing him out of the pound.
Then almost a year ago we adopted our cat, Moe. For those of you who are not familiar with the story, Moe just kind of showed up at our house at the beginning of last summer. He'd watch our house from the yard across the street, and then eventually ventured into our yard. He slept in our front flower bed and finally nudged his way into our hearts. He laid on my husband's lap on the back deck and followed me around giving me hugs and sweet talking me. As the weather turned cold we decided to make him part of our family. I am so glad we did. He is our little Moe :)
Anyway, I think it's because of my recent experience in adult pet ownership that I turn overly emotional at the glimpse of an ASPCA commercial. This month's service project at school is Pennies for Pets, which will support local shelters with food, money, and other supplies. But here is one thing I don't understand. The list of items needed includes cat and dog food, but they only want IAMS (which was recently recalled) and Pedigree. Now, those are two of the most expensive brands of pet food (IAMS cat food can cost upward of $8 per small bag!). I don't even buy that food for Moe. So I'm wondering two things. Are they requesting that food because it's the best and I should be feeding that to my cat? If they are in desperate need for food and supplies, should they really be requesting the most expensive products? I hate to use this saying here, but it keeps popping into my head. Can beggars really be choosers in this scenario? Wouldn't they get more food to feed more animals if they weren't so picky? My husband's previous cat ate Meow Mix for the entire 16 years of his life. Are the less expensive brands really worse? I've tried buying the more expensive and supposedly healthier brands, but Moe won't even touch the food. I'd love to donate some food to the shelter, but I'm not buying the prim o brands that I don't even buy for my own cat.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
UFOs
Let's say I saw a UFO. I would be in such a state of excitement, fear, and awe that I would want to tell people. But I wouldn't tell anyone. Why? Because anytime I see a news report of a UFO sighting, it's usually by some "dumb redneck hick" (not my words, thus the quotes), which immediately discredits the report. And everyone would think I was either certifiably crazy or joking around. Doesn't anyone outside of this stereotype witness UFO sightings? Apparently so.
Click here.
The Chinese certainly have had their share this year. Clicking here might give you goosebumps.
Hawaii, too.
Then do your own search.
I know I'm risking mockery by putting this out there, but I saw something very similar in Syracuse yesterday afternoon. Three orbs moving first in a straight line and then into a triangle, followed by more than ten single aircrafts with glowing comet-like tails that faded quickly, not like airplane exhaust trails. All going in the same point of direction. I don't know what they were, but they were fast and quiet and made me feel like I had been transplanted into the filming of the movie, Signs. That's all I'm saying.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Nothing HOSPITAbLe about it
My husband's grandmother is in the intensive care unit at one of the local hospitals (prayers please!), and his family has been very happy with the care she has been given. I stopped at the hospital today to see how she was doing and to see if I could be of any assistance for his parents (food or coffee runs, etc.). You should know that I hate hospitals. I always have. From the moment I walk in the doors that hospital smell causes my entire body to feel weak. Couple that with my germophobic tendencies and we've got What About Bob? part 2. Anyway, once I finally stepped into the cubicle that is called a room in the ICU, I was bombarded with sounds. Beeping monitors, loud gushes from some sort of oxygen apparatus, beeping from the IV bag thingy. Immediately my own anxiety went into overdrive. How in the world is anyone supposed to actually recover in the hospital when there are so many noises distracting patients from sleep? After all of these years of medical advancements we can't do better that this? I'm finding this so hard to believe. Our healthcare system is a mess, there is no doubt about that, but what is going on that our hospitals aren't quieter and more conducive to recovery? No wonder so many people refuse to go to doctors or into hospitals when they are ill. It's quieter at home!
There was a sign hanging from the ceiling when I first approached the ICU wing that said something to the effect of, "Every person entering the ICU must first wash their hands or use alcoholic gel sanitizer". I immediately started looking on the walls for sanitizer. A nurse approached me and asked me if I was lost, to which I replied, "No, I'm looking for hand sanitizer." She laughed, "Oh, you're probably the first person to actually read that sign and do what it says." What??? You mean to tell me that in a part of the hospital where it is most crucial for patients not to be exposed to germs and harmful bacteria, there is nothing but a SIGN monitoring people's hygiene? We're going on pure faith that humankind will follow directions and do what they're asked to do? I've been in the bathroom at the gym. I have seen too many women bypass the sink after emerging from the stall. There should be a scary Hulk Hogan-style man standing at the entrance to the ICU with a giant bottle of hand sanitizer forcing people to de-germ! Aaaaahhhhh!!!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Long la-long long long
Well, this has been the absolute longest week! The rainy, gloomy days coupled with the fall chill has made the days blend together. Excitement surged through me at the gym this afternoon when for a split second I thought today was Friday. It sure does feel like Friday.
I can't even remember what I did on Monday besides work and visit the gym. Tuesday I worked, went to dinner with a friend, and sat through a fantastic lecture by Michael Pollan. That was a LONG day, mostly because I left home at daybreak and didn't return until almost ten o'clock. Then yesterday I tutored after work, raced home and scarfed dinner only to bolt out the door to my knitting class and get stung by a bee on the way, forcing me to drive home and doctor it. (By the way, who gets stung at seven o'clock in the evening in October in New York? And on the back of my heel, no less!) Luckily, being a few minutes late to my class wasn't a big deal. I know how to knit, having learned as a child and then relearning as an adult five years ago. I have a gazillion hats and scarves, so I thought it might be neat to venture onto something more exciting - a sweater! I picked a short-sleeved cardigan so it wouldn't be as involved as a long-sleeved sweater. I absolutely love the picture.
I chose a multi-colored thin cotton yarn (in different colors than the picture - rusty red, pale yellow, sage green, khaki, and white twisted together) so that the cardigan can be worn alone in warm weather as well as over a long-sleeved shirt in cooler weather (I'm always thinking!). Well, I went with my pattern to this class (and for those non-knitters out there) and had already started a tension square to figure out my gauge for the pattern. I had been hoping the instructor could help me figure out how to problem-solve that my square was about 1/2-inch over gauge. She had me rip it out and start again on smaller needles. I knit another square, we measured it, and decided it was pretty close to gauge so I tore it out and cast on 97 stitches. I did two rows after that before the instructor came over and said she made a measuring mistake. I had to rip out the two rows of 97 stitched and knit another freaking tension square. Two hours of class and all I came home with were two cramped hands and a stupid tension square that wouldn't even pass as a coaster. I'm hoping next week's class goes better! My goal is to finish the cardigan by Christmas, so encourage me whenever you can!
I can't even remember what I did on Monday besides work and visit the gym. Tuesday I worked, went to dinner with a friend, and sat through a fantastic lecture by Michael Pollan. That was a LONG day, mostly because I left home at daybreak and didn't return until almost ten o'clock. Then yesterday I tutored after work, raced home and scarfed dinner only to bolt out the door to my knitting class and get stung by a bee on the way, forcing me to drive home and doctor it. (By the way, who gets stung at seven o'clock in the evening in October in New York? And on the back of my heel, no less!) Luckily, being a few minutes late to my class wasn't a big deal. I know how to knit, having learned as a child and then relearning as an adult five years ago. I have a gazillion hats and scarves, so I thought it might be neat to venture onto something more exciting - a sweater! I picked a short-sleeved cardigan so it wouldn't be as involved as a long-sleeved sweater. I absolutely love the picture.
I chose a multi-colored thin cotton yarn (in different colors than the picture - rusty red, pale yellow, sage green, khaki, and white twisted together) so that the cardigan can be worn alone in warm weather as well as over a long-sleeved shirt in cooler weather (I'm always thinking!). Well, I went with my pattern to this class (and for those non-knitters out there) and had already started a tension square to figure out my gauge for the pattern. I had been hoping the instructor could help me figure out how to problem-solve that my square was about 1/2-inch over gauge. She had me rip it out and start again on smaller needles. I knit another square, we measured it, and decided it was pretty close to gauge so I tore it out and cast on 97 stitches. I did two rows after that before the instructor came over and said she made a measuring mistake. I had to rip out the two rows of 97 stitched and knit another freaking tension square. Two hours of class and all I came home with were two cramped hands and a stupid tension square that wouldn't even pass as a coaster. I'm hoping next week's class goes better! My goal is to finish the cardigan by Christmas, so encourage me whenever you can!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The F Word
The F word is the most useful and versatile word in the English language, in my opinion. You can use it as an adjective, as a noun, and as a verb. It also happens to be the word most used by yours truly in a hairy situation, especially when driving in a lost stupor around downtown Syracuse on a rainy night. Like tonight. Although I argue that there isn't much choosing involved when that word is used (at least for me). It's an involuntary reaction, like when the doctor hits your knee with that thingy and you kick your leg out. You don't intend to do it, it just happens.
Knowing I would be in downtown Syracuse for an event this evening, I called a friend and met her for dinner. Or tried to. Downtown was a traffic and parking nightmare. Apparently there were two events going on the same night. Note to Syracuse honchos organizing this stuff: Don't do that! After a half-hour of navigating around one-way streets and closed streets (F word!), I slipped into a street parking spot while my friend paid for lot parking. We had an enjoyable Mexican feast, but getting to that point was hairy.
Our local library system in Syracuse (Onondaga County) is AWESOME! Not only is it connected in such a way that patrons have access to a plethora of books from every linked library, but it sponsors a library lecture series that brings bestselling authors to Syracuse. Two years ago I went to see Neil DeGrasse Tyson and loved the experience. Last year I went to hear Geraldine Brooks (People of the Book and March) and Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns). And because my mother-in-law donated me her ticket to tonight's lecture, I was able to see and hear Michael Pollan (author of books such as The Botany of Desire, The Omnivore's Dilemma, and In Defense of Food, among others) after my Mexican feast. I think his books are worth reading. He presented some very valid points tonight as he debated the health crisis revolving around American foods. Here were some of the highlights:
So apparently my word of choice in a spur of the moment hair-raising situation is not shucks, shoot, darn, or goodness gracious. If I were in England, perhaps it would be Bloody. Maybe I'll even start using that instead. It certainly sounds more elite and educated than my current word of choice.
Knowing I would be in downtown Syracuse for an event this evening, I called a friend and met her for dinner. Or tried to. Downtown was a traffic and parking nightmare. Apparently there were two events going on the same night. Note to Syracuse honchos organizing this stuff: Don't do that! After a half-hour of navigating around one-way streets and closed streets (F word!), I slipped into a street parking spot while my friend paid for lot parking. We had an enjoyable Mexican feast, but getting to that point was hairy.
Our local library system in Syracuse (Onondaga County) is AWESOME! Not only is it connected in such a way that patrons have access to a plethora of books from every linked library, but it sponsors a library lecture series that brings bestselling authors to Syracuse. Two years ago I went to see Neil DeGrasse Tyson and loved the experience. Last year I went to hear Geraldine Brooks (People of the Book and March) and Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns). And because my mother-in-law donated me her ticket to tonight's lecture, I was able to see and hear Michael Pollan (author of books such as The Botany of Desire, The Omnivore's Dilemma, and In Defense of Food, among others) after my Mexican feast. I think his books are worth reading. He presented some very valid points tonight as he debated the health crisis revolving around American foods. Here were some of the highlights:
- Americans spend the most time analyzing food and looking for food with the healthiest nutrients, yet we are also the ones with the most cases of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
- Americans rely on government studies and doctors to know what to eat, yet the science of nutrition is very young and is approximately where the science of surgery was in the 1600s. Basically, it's ludicrous to organize our lives around an uncertain science.
- Americans eat until they are full, whereas other cultures like the French and Japanese only eat until they are no longer hungry. Very different things.
- We're always looking for an easy fix , but don't want to throw out this diet of over-processed, overly refined "foods" we've created and marketed as being "healthy" and "nutritious".
- We have to change the way we eat by going backwards to the way our ancestors ate. Good rule of thumb to follow while shopping: Would my great grandmother recognize this as food? (Example: go-gurt, fruit roll-up)
- Start thinking about where your food came from before you put it in your mouth
So apparently my word of choice in a spur of the moment hair-raising situation is not shucks, shoot, darn, or goodness gracious. If I were in England, perhaps it would be Bloody. Maybe I'll even start using that instead. It certainly sounds more elite and educated than my current word of choice.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Round 2
Last weekend, less than 15 days into the school year, I was down and out with a pretty hefty cold. Things seemed to improve over the course of the week and my spirits were elevated! I hit the gym on Thursday, trying to make up for time lost "recuperating". It was a great workout! Friday promised fun times with friends at our reinstated monthly book club gathering at my house. (We read The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon.) Pizza, root beer floats, and a good discussion....what a great way to end a long week! Plus, I was looking forward to a nice dinner out with my husband on Saturday.
Imagine my surprise and disgust when I woke up Saturday morning with my stomach gurgling and flip-flopping, accompanied by a left-side headache. My initial reaction? WTF? I just got over being sick! I wash my hands regularly, refuse to use student pens and pencils, disinfect my classroom religiously, what is going wrong? I don't usually get sick, and definitely not this often. Something is off. It's not even flu season yet! (Which reminds me, as soon as I am better I am getting a flu shot PRONTO!) So instead of dinner out with my fave, we watched a cheesy romantic comedy (When in Rome). Looks like I'll be doing more of the same today, seeing as conditions have not improved. In between movies I'll be searching the Internet for a bubble suit to wear to work from now on.
Imagine my surprise and disgust when I woke up Saturday morning with my stomach gurgling and flip-flopping, accompanied by a left-side headache. My initial reaction? WTF? I just got over being sick! I wash my hands regularly, refuse to use student pens and pencils, disinfect my classroom religiously, what is going wrong? I don't usually get sick, and definitely not this often. Something is off. It's not even flu season yet! (Which reminds me, as soon as I am better I am getting a flu shot PRONTO!) So instead of dinner out with my fave, we watched a cheesy romantic comedy (When in Rome). Looks like I'll be doing more of the same today, seeing as conditions have not improved. In between movies I'll be searching the Internet for a bubble suit to wear to work from now on.
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