2009, so much better than 2008 for me. Friends, family, travel, holidays, kittens!, and lots of love. thanks for being a part of it.
starring... mom, dad, amy, sloan, angy, john, kate, ross, hayden, rebecca, john, ashlie, mattie, caleb, jessica, tyler, jeremy c., colin, sheena, dan, alison, jeff, tim, heidi, sue, nick, marie, matt, tim, jeremy b., lisa, misty, josh, melissa, kyle, tucker, bobby, ramsay, kelly, scott, penny, preacher, sadie, ryleigh, sarah, jonathan, kurt vonnegut, neil young, levon helm, john prine, devotchka, jose cuervo, city park squirell, burt, ernie, salmonella and the two i'v.'s that helped me achieve normal skin tone.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Dear you,
Hi kid. You don’t know me yet, but I made a significant decision for us today, one I’ve been toiling about for a couple of weeks. I decided not to pursue a significant career opportunity.
Some of our friends and family won’t understand why I’m bypassing such a fantastic opportunity, but I don’t really care about out that. This is about us. It’s about knowing that when you decide to make an appearance in my life, I can’t imagine a more significant role for myself than being the best mother I can be to you. For me, that doesn’t include dropping you off at 7 am, and picking you up at 5. It doesn’t involve worrying about making it to your preschool program because I’ll be in Boston presenting at a conference. It doesn’t mean stressing out your dad with the uneven care you’ll receive while I travel 2 months out of the year. It means being committed to giving you the best I can. And not taking this job allows me to offer that to you.
I’ll admit there were a few perks that are painful to walk away from. Topping that list- this job would’ve left us with a considerable amount more dough. I hope you really love Kraft mac and cheese, cause baby boo, we can’t afford the fancy Velveeta shit. But hell… what would we do with that dough?! (god all the things we could do with that dough) But no no- really it’s not about that. And I’ll keep telling myself that.
Quite the opposite. It’s about time together and endless amounts of stress free love. It means I won’t be feeding you while blackberrying, and you won’t have a work distracted mom sporadically reading to you in between answering emails. I’m not going to be perfect. Nor do I expect to be a stay-at-home mom. I love you and all, but yeah- no deal. Not only I am just not one of those amazing women or men that can handle stay at home parenting, but I can't leave the fulfillment I receive through my job. What example would I be if I gave up something I love so much?
And the most important (and fun!) part of me choosing to stay with my Foundation- I have a boss and team of wonderful women that are going to welcome you into my life with love and joy and fun gifts too! They’re going to give me helpful advice when you have a low fever for days, and will pick up the phone and listen to me cry when I’m exhausted. They’ll be the ones to tell me to only work what I can, and to be a mom before an employee. They’ll reinforce that work/life balance is more that a catchy corporate phrase. That it’s about preparing you for the wild world before you, and they’ll help me give you the development skills and love that you’ll need to face it.
And that’s why I’m walking away from that job. It might sound nuts, since you’re nowhere to be seen yet, and I don’t even know when or where you’re coming from (Guatemala?), but to me, it makes all the sense in the world.
My lesson here to you is that sometimes there are things more important than money or advancement. Each human’s vision of their future and life goals are different, and that’s what makes the world so colorful. We have to remember that there are different paths for everyone, and how wonderful that is. For me, it’s about experiencing life at the fullest, eating, drinking, loving, praying,(this sounds like a book! oh wait…), traveling, caring for one another and collecting stories of good times. My vision clearly includes you. And it’s the experience that I’m choosing today.
And when you pester me about wanting the new version of a Nintendo DS, I’ll remind you that “money doesn’t grow on trees” and to suck it up. One day you’ll appreciate the mom vs. money trade-off, and you know… I will too.
Love,
momma
Some of our friends and family won’t understand why I’m bypassing such a fantastic opportunity, but I don’t really care about out that. This is about us. It’s about knowing that when you decide to make an appearance in my life, I can’t imagine a more significant role for myself than being the best mother I can be to you. For me, that doesn’t include dropping you off at 7 am, and picking you up at 5. It doesn’t involve worrying about making it to your preschool program because I’ll be in Boston presenting at a conference. It doesn’t mean stressing out your dad with the uneven care you’ll receive while I travel 2 months out of the year. It means being committed to giving you the best I can. And not taking this job allows me to offer that to you.
I’ll admit there were a few perks that are painful to walk away from. Topping that list- this job would’ve left us with a considerable amount more dough. I hope you really love Kraft mac and cheese, cause baby boo, we can’t afford the fancy Velveeta shit. But hell… what would we do with that dough?! (god all the things we could do with that dough) But no no- really it’s not about that. And I’ll keep telling myself that.
Quite the opposite. It’s about time together and endless amounts of stress free love. It means I won’t be feeding you while blackberrying, and you won’t have a work distracted mom sporadically reading to you in between answering emails. I’m not going to be perfect. Nor do I expect to be a stay-at-home mom. I love you and all, but yeah- no deal. Not only I am just not one of those amazing women or men that can handle stay at home parenting, but I can't leave the fulfillment I receive through my job. What example would I be if I gave up something I love so much?
And the most important (and fun!) part of me choosing to stay with my Foundation- I have a boss and team of wonderful women that are going to welcome you into my life with love and joy and fun gifts too! They’re going to give me helpful advice when you have a low fever for days, and will pick up the phone and listen to me cry when I’m exhausted. They’ll be the ones to tell me to only work what I can, and to be a mom before an employee. They’ll reinforce that work/life balance is more that a catchy corporate phrase. That it’s about preparing you for the wild world before you, and they’ll help me give you the development skills and love that you’ll need to face it.
And that’s why I’m walking away from that job. It might sound nuts, since you’re nowhere to be seen yet, and I don’t even know when or where you’re coming from (Guatemala?), but to me, it makes all the sense in the world.
My lesson here to you is that sometimes there are things more important than money or advancement. Each human’s vision of their future and life goals are different, and that’s what makes the world so colorful. We have to remember that there are different paths for everyone, and how wonderful that is. For me, it’s about experiencing life at the fullest, eating, drinking, loving, praying,(this sounds like a book! oh wait…), traveling, caring for one another and collecting stories of good times. My vision clearly includes you. And it’s the experience that I’m choosing today.
And when you pester me about wanting the new version of a Nintendo DS, I’ll remind you that “money doesn’t grow on trees” and to suck it up. One day you’ll appreciate the mom vs. money trade-off, and you know… I will too.
Love,
momma
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
i cannot express the amount of joy this brings me:
I love Paula Deen, but come on now... getting hit in the face with a ham? simply amazing. It's like Christmas came a month early:
Monday, November 9, 2009
roberto's peach salsa
I've always had a love/hate relationship with Salsa. As soon as I start getting into the idea of salsa, a overly spicy/vegetabley jar ruins it all and the walls come crumbing down.
Until I met Roberto... oh Roberto. How you called to me from Isle 5! I fought it, but as I read your description, admired your packaging, then your price sealed the deal. I gave it a shot for love.
And love it was. This is my favorite salsa ever. I love that it's got some spice to it, but not too much that you can't eat it without a glass of water in reach. It's got a peachy taste, but not too peachy. If you didn't know it was called a "peach salsa" you probably wouldn't taste it.
I couldn't find much information online about it, but here is their site. I found it at one of the three zillion Whole Foods stores in Denver. I've looked for it at Safeway and Albertsons with no avail. However, this is one of the few staple items that I put on my list to pick up at Whole Foods, and happy to grab it up for less than $4 a jar. YUM!
Until I met Roberto... oh Roberto. How you called to me from Isle 5! I fought it, but as I read your description, admired your packaging, then your price sealed the deal. I gave it a shot for love.
And love it was. This is my favorite salsa ever. I love that it's got some spice to it, but not too much that you can't eat it without a glass of water in reach. It's got a peachy taste, but not too peachy. If you didn't know it was called a "peach salsa" you probably wouldn't taste it.
I couldn't find much information online about it, but here is their site. I found it at one of the three zillion Whole Foods stores in Denver. I've looked for it at Safeway and Albertsons with no avail. However, this is one of the few staple items that I put on my list to pick up at Whole Foods, and happy to grab it up for less than $4 a jar. YUM!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
an april fool.
I've always disliked April Fool's Day. It's a combination of anticipation of my birthday (tomorrow, whee) but probably more because of an April Fools joke gone terribly ary on April 1st, 1986.
I took gymnastics at this family owned studio in my hometown called "Gym for Him". I only wish the clever name meant a gym for men. But darlin', in middle Tennessee, the "Gym for Him" meant a gym for the glory of Jesus. Because all that balance beam time was really just a testament to our Savior.
Ok, back to the story. So my sister, Amy, our neighbor, Sarah and I all took gymnastics at the same time at the Gym for Him. Sarah and Amy were four years older than me (they were 10 and I was 6) and in kid years, that was a significant difference. Man- i really wanted Amy and Sarah to think I was cool, even possibly funny. April Fools day 1986 coincided with our gymnastics class day. YES. My big chance.
My mom drove us to the Gym for Him and picked up Sarah on the way. Since I was only 6, I'm fairly sure I didn't really get April Fools day. But dammit, I was gonna give it my best. After my class was over, I patiently awaited Amy and Sarah to come out of theirs, all the while trying to construct the funniest, most grand April Fool's joke a tot could muster up. Ahhh ha! I got it!
Finally, Amy and Sarah come into the lobby. Amy asks if mom is here to pick us up yet. Instead of answering her, I run up to Sarah and say:
"Sarah, your mom is dead. She died in a car wreck just now."
I start laughing, but Sarah immediately starts screaming and crying and a brigade of gymnastics instructors rush over. Chaos ensued. The instructors trying to calm her down and running into the front office to see if there REALLY had been an accident. Sometime between Sarah's first shriek and them taking her to the office, I realized that my joke was a total failure, so then I started crying. The following half hour is a little fuzzy. The next thing I remember is having to apologize to Sarah on the drive home, and knowing that I was in a good deal (a great deal) of trouble.
So... not the best April Fools joke, but a solid try.
Nonetheless, I have not attempted another April Fools joke since then.
Sarah West, if you're out there, I'm really sorry about all that.
I took gymnastics at this family owned studio in my hometown called "Gym for Him". I only wish the clever name meant a gym for men. But darlin', in middle Tennessee, the "Gym for Him" meant a gym for the glory of Jesus. Because all that balance beam time was really just a testament to our Savior.
Ok, back to the story. So my sister, Amy, our neighbor, Sarah and I all took gymnastics at the same time at the Gym for Him. Sarah and Amy were four years older than me (they were 10 and I was 6) and in kid years, that was a significant difference. Man- i really wanted Amy and Sarah to think I was cool, even possibly funny. April Fools day 1986 coincided with our gymnastics class day. YES. My big chance.
My mom drove us to the Gym for Him and picked up Sarah on the way. Since I was only 6, I'm fairly sure I didn't really get April Fools day. But dammit, I was gonna give it my best. After my class was over, I patiently awaited Amy and Sarah to come out of theirs, all the while trying to construct the funniest, most grand April Fool's joke a tot could muster up. Ahhh ha! I got it!
Finally, Amy and Sarah come into the lobby. Amy asks if mom is here to pick us up yet. Instead of answering her, I run up to Sarah and say:
"Sarah, your mom is dead. She died in a car wreck just now."
I start laughing, but Sarah immediately starts screaming and crying and a brigade of gymnastics instructors rush over. Chaos ensued. The instructors trying to calm her down and running into the front office to see if there REALLY had been an accident. Sometime between Sarah's first shriek and them taking her to the office, I realized that my joke was a total failure, so then I started crying. The following half hour is a little fuzzy. The next thing I remember is having to apologize to Sarah on the drive home, and knowing that I was in a good deal (a great deal) of trouble.
So... not the best April Fools joke, but a solid try.
Nonetheless, I have not attempted another April Fools joke since then.
Sarah West, if you're out there, I'm really sorry about all that.
Monday, March 30, 2009
it's not in the woods and shit.
I have to repost something I just read on dooce.com. Because if any of you have an extended southern family anything like mine, you can imagine overhearing this conversation at pretty much any holiday gathering. she just happened to overhear it on a flight. here goes:
First guy: "Dude, you got Internet where you live?"
Second guy: "Um... what?"
First guy: "The INTERNET! You know, Google and stuff."
Second guy: "Dude, it's 2009. The Internet is everywhere. Of course I have it where I live."
First guy: "It's not everywhere, man. It's not in the woods and shit. They don't run those wires out into the middle of nowhere."
Second guy: "Okay, maybe not in the woods, but most people have access to the Internet."
First guy: "Or out in the ocean. I bet you can't get the Internet on a boat."
Second guy: "Well, see, they make these things where you can access the Internet wirelessly."
First guy: "Wire-what?"
Second guy: "Wirelessly. It works kind of like a cell phone. Do you know what a USB port is?"
First guy: "Dude, whatever. That's all future shit. Sounds like you're speaking Italian."
First guy: "Dude, you got Internet where you live?"
Second guy: "Um... what?"
First guy: "The INTERNET! You know, Google and stuff."
Second guy: "Dude, it's 2009. The Internet is everywhere. Of course I have it where I live."
First guy: "It's not everywhere, man. It's not in the woods and shit. They don't run those wires out into the middle of nowhere."
Second guy: "Okay, maybe not in the woods, but most people have access to the Internet."
First guy: "Or out in the ocean. I bet you can't get the Internet on a boat."
Second guy: "Well, see, they make these things where you can access the Internet wirelessly."
First guy: "Wire-what?"
Second guy: "Wirelessly. It works kind of like a cell phone. Do you know what a USB port is?"
First guy: "Dude, whatever. That's all future shit. Sounds like you're speaking Italian."
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
from avenues to apartments
I am an absolute cliché right now. I'm at the laundry mat, drinking a Slurpee and eating some terribly unhealthy chips that I just got from the 7-11 across the street. If that doesn't scream cliché-loser, I don't know what does. A year ago, I'm not sure if I could have imagined my life changing this drastically.
A year ago...
In the mornings, I use to walk into my luscious yard and cut fresh flowers from the front garden. Now, I am happy as hell just to have some extra cash to buy a bundle of tulips from the grocery. And you know what? Those tulips are magnificent.
I no longer have the conveniences of a washer/dryer, a modern kitchen or even a parking spot. I now have a laundry room down the street. Guess what? It causes me to get out in the neighborhood and chat with folks I would've never otherwise met. My kitchen? It's adequate. You know what? I can still cook just fine. And the parking spot? I am now the champion of parallel parking. Don't challenge me. You'll lose, sucker.
My weekends aren't spent running around, buying groceries, taking care of the pets, buying shit I thought I needed to maintain a house, taking care a yard that was ridiculously large and generally feeling like I don't have the time to fit in the things I needed to manage and take care, just so I could "live". Nope. Things are much simpler now.My day to day life has changed in a big way. And let be clear- life isn't worse for me, just different. It's taken me 6 months to make that distinction between "worse" and "different", but man- it's a significant change in thinking.
Last week some intuitive feelings of something that was going on through my separation that were finally confirmed. Hearing that confirmation made me sick, then- rejoiceful. It's a bad feeling to have an instinct so strong, just to be told that you were crazy. Aren't instincts and intuition something else? From now on, I'm going to give those gut reactions a solid consideration.
I mention this development because it brought back such a strong memory to my mind- the day I knew that I needed to leave. I laid on my couch in my beautiful living room with our sparkling refinished floors in our adorable 1920's craftsman bungalow- and sobbed for hours. Snotty, ugly, sobbing while repeating to myself the same thing: I want out. I don't care about the stuff, I just want out.
There have certainly been days in the last year that I couldn't believe I gave up the things that mattered so much to me for so long. I have whined about leaving him the house, the pets, the beautiful chandelier (no one liked but me)... even the freaking waffle maker. I have felt like a loser- asking myself- How can I start again from here- my only belongings that fit in a 10x10 storage space?
What I know now: it all just doesn't really matter. None of it. Especially when your intuition is telling you so strongly that for some (or many) reasons, it's just not right.
One day, I'll have the "stuff" again. A home I own, pets, furniture I love, so on. I'll do it all over again. In many ways I already have started. It might not resemble what a home use to mean to me, in fact, it's close to the opposite.
Right now, I'll be thankful to be living the life that I deserve. A life that resembles more of what I dreamed about as a little girl- lots of laughs, good food, pretty flowers, a lumberjack husband and duck children (maybe not ALL of the life I wanted). I'm so thankful to be at the point that I know all of that will come again, and I'm willing to be a little patient for it.
For now, I'm just stoked to have 15 clean panties coming out of my 1.75 dryer.
Monday, January 19, 2009
the incredible disappearing woman.
Sometime around 2007 I got into cycling for about 5 whole minutes. During that phase, J gave me a couple of Lance Armstrong's books, which I was surprised to discover, I actually enjoyed.
Reading the chapter about his marriage collapsing, I remember feeling so sad for his wife, even though he spoke fondly about her. She had been all over the world for him, away from her career and family, at the same time through two agonizing rounds of Invitro so that they could have a family. Then divorcing with three very young children to a man who obviously loved the ladies... lady rock stars and celebrities at that, not librarian type ladies.
Sometime last year I came across Kristin Armstrongs article (below), and I was so pleased that I did. I was happy to hear her perspective on the situation, and above that, so glad to walk away with so much perspective for myself. That's why I wanted to share it. I think the article offers a lot for women, single, in a relationship or married. Please don't get me wrong- I am a fan of marriage, in fact, I hope to do it someday. But damn, it sure is hard as hell, and before you realize it- you can sure lose yourself in the partnership.
Circumstances in life often take us places that we never intended to go. We visit some places of beauty and others that you never care to see again. I never imagined that "divorce" would be part of my life history or my family’s legacy. I never really got it, but now, when people say that divorce can be as painful than death, I understand why.
Kristin Armstrong on Marriage
Reading the chapter about his marriage collapsing, I remember feeling so sad for his wife, even though he spoke fondly about her. She had been all over the world for him, away from her career and family, at the same time through two agonizing rounds of Invitro so that they could have a family. Then divorcing with three very young children to a man who obviously loved the ladies... lady rock stars and celebrities at that, not librarian type ladies.
Sometime last year I came across Kristin Armstrongs article (below), and I was so pleased that I did. I was happy to hear her perspective on the situation, and above that, so glad to walk away with so much perspective for myself. That's why I wanted to share it. I think the article offers a lot for women, single, in a relationship or married. Please don't get me wrong- I am a fan of marriage, in fact, I hope to do it someday. But damn, it sure is hard as hell, and before you realize it- you can sure lose yourself in the partnership.
Circumstances in life often take us places that we never intended to go. We visit some places of beauty and others that you never care to see again. I never imagined that "divorce" would be part of my life history or my family’s legacy. I never really got it, but now, when people say that divorce can be as painful than death, I understand why.
Kristin Armstrong on Marriage
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
mee mee mee mee, mee mee mee mee
Monday, December 29, 2008
new year(esoultion)
Whenever my sisters or I see a picture of ourselves that we don't like in the presence of our father, he always reminds us "Well- I guess you never know how you look until you get your picture took". Basically saying- "Sorry, fatty, the truth hurts."
And boy oh boy, does it. I just saw a handful of pictures of myself from the past week and yikes. I am seriously horrified. I'm not going to be one of those girls that whines and says "I'm so fat!" because I'm not fat and no one wants to hear that shit anyway.
I will say- I have seriously let myself go. I've looked for various excuses over the past few years. Some of those contradictory excuses include:
"I'm happy!"
"I'm sad!"
"I'm stressed."
"I'm too busy."
"I don't have time to work out." (plenty of time for cheese dip though)
"I think I have a irregular heartbeat. So how would I know if I'm having a heart-attack?"
"I'm boycotting exercise to piss off my health obsessed in-laws"
Ok. That last one was actually a relevant excuse, but still. You get the picture. I can honestly say that I am ashamed of myself, because right now, and even for the past year- I have NO excuses. I am happier than I've been in years, and even though I have a significantly smaller amount of income, I can absolutely afford some gym, yoga and hula. Hell- I even live in the 5th healthiest state in the entire country now, so I can't say "no one will go with me!" And the worst part- I lost this weight before- in 2006 I got down to 134 pounds (from 150) by spinning 3 times a week.
That's why I wanted to publicly declare that enough is enough. I want to make 2009 my best year ever. In a few months I'll turn 29 years old. How amazing would it feel to turn 30 at my goal weight of 135, toned, stress reduced- generally feeling strong and for the first time in a long time, be able to look at myself- full length- in the mirror without wondering "how in the hell did i let this happen?" I think about my weight at least once (more like three times) everyday. What a waste of time in which I could doing something I love.
So- if there is anyone out there that wants to offer a tip, a health magazine suggestion, a low fat reciepe, a favorite workout, a secret move to get rid of these weird flappy arm things, or even better yet- who wants to tackle 2009 with me and Oprah- hit me up. Let's do this.
And then maybe I could do this---
And boy oh boy, does it. I just saw a handful of pictures of myself from the past week and yikes. I am seriously horrified. I'm not going to be one of those girls that whines and says "I'm so fat!" because I'm not fat and no one wants to hear that shit anyway.
I will say- I have seriously let myself go. I've looked for various excuses over the past few years. Some of those contradictory excuses include:
"I'm happy!"
"I'm sad!"
"I'm stressed."
"I'm too busy."
"I don't have time to work out." (plenty of time for cheese dip though)
"I think I have a irregular heartbeat. So how would I know if I'm having a heart-attack?"
"I'm boycotting exercise to piss off my health obsessed in-laws"
Ok. That last one was actually a relevant excuse, but still. You get the picture. I can honestly say that I am ashamed of myself, because right now, and even for the past year- I have NO excuses. I am happier than I've been in years, and even though I have a significantly smaller amount of income, I can absolutely afford some gym, yoga and hula. Hell- I even live in the 5th healthiest state in the entire country now, so I can't say "no one will go with me!" And the worst part- I lost this weight before- in 2006 I got down to 134 pounds (from 150) by spinning 3 times a week.
That's why I wanted to publicly declare that enough is enough. I want to make 2009 my best year ever. In a few months I'll turn 29 years old. How amazing would it feel to turn 30 at my goal weight of 135, toned, stress reduced- generally feeling strong and for the first time in a long time, be able to look at myself- full length- in the mirror without wondering "how in the hell did i let this happen?" I think about my weight at least once (more like three times) everyday. What a waste of time in which I could doing something I love.
So- if there is anyone out there that wants to offer a tip, a health magazine suggestion, a low fat reciepe, a favorite workout, a secret move to get rid of these weird flappy arm things, or even better yet- who wants to tackle 2009 with me and Oprah- hit me up. Let's do this.
And then maybe I could do this---
Monday, December 22, 2008
home for the holidays.
Ahhhhh it's nice to be back at mom and dads.
I mean- come on... just check this out:
I mean- come on... just check this out:
With all sincerity, no one quite knows how to make a historic lil cottage feel so cozy like the great Jackie Powell. Thanks for going through the trouble every year, mom. We all really enjoy it more than you know.
Of course, Carolyn makes scarfs for her cat... so... step it up, Jackie.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
observations, continued.
1) Did you know that snot can actually freeze in your nostrils? It can! Then, when you walk inside, the ice inside your nose it melts back to snot. It's painful and awkward- but facinating all at the same time.
2) It feels a hell of a lot more christmasy with 6 inches of snow on the ground. All the traditional Christmas songs seem to make sense now.
3) On the occasion I can look a bit ethnic. Check it out--- asian? Good thing I'm not asian. Nashville would run me out.
See you soon.
April
Friday, December 5, 2008
living by leviticus.
I'm normally not that into these sorts of silly things. J took me to funnyordie.com many times to watch videos and I would sigh, roll my eyes and walk out of the room.
BUT! In this new phase I'm easing up, or at least trying to. I've been feeling a bit older than I am. Not like 50. More like 37. And I'm looking about 34 as indicated by the lady at the Gallatin, TN crafts fair who said that a round or two of Botox between my eyes wouldn't hurt. Apparently I'm a "squinter". Who knew.
Years ago I read a Letter to the Editor from the Memphis paper in response to a cruel letter that someone wrote condemning Christian homosexuals. The title of the response letter was called "Living by Leviticus", and I'm pretty certain that I still have it tucked away. The gist of the letter- the book of Leviticus is all over the place. From foods to fabrics to childbirth. The mention of homosexuality is just a mention in between a whole lot of crazy. So- if you're going to pick or choose what to live by in the bible, how about just picking Jesus Sermon on the Mount- a simple verse that basically covers it all...
BUT! In this new phase I'm easing up, or at least trying to. I've been feeling a bit older than I am. Not like 50. More like 37. And I'm looking about 34 as indicated by the lady at the Gallatin, TN crafts fair who said that a round or two of Botox between my eyes wouldn't hurt. Apparently I'm a "squinter". Who knew.
Years ago I read a Letter to the Editor from the Memphis paper in response to a cruel letter that someone wrote condemning Christian homosexuals. The title of the response letter was called "Living by Leviticus", and I'm pretty certain that I still have it tucked away. The gist of the letter- the book of Leviticus is all over the place. From foods to fabrics to childbirth. The mention of homosexuality is just a mention in between a whole lot of crazy. So- if you're going to pick or choose what to live by in the bible, how about just picking Jesus Sermon on the Mount- a simple verse that basically covers it all...
Matthew 7:12 - In everything, do unto others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Now, doesn't that just make more sense?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
observations, 3 weeks in.
I've officially been in Denver for three weeks now and feel like I've already learned a fair share about the city as well as life in a new place with one friend.
Observations include:
1) Denver doesn't know Mexican food. After all- what is a mexican restaurant without cheese dip? It's a place for liars, that's what. Who covers chimichangas in melted shredded cheese? gross.
2) After about the 12th attempt at reaching a friend or family member on a lonely night, you are pretty much convinced that no one really cares about you being all alone out in the mountains. OR- they are all at a Nashville party that you weren't invited to. Thanks, ya'll.
3) The closest Baskin Robbins is 15.3 miles away from my house.
4) In driving to said Baskin Robbins, you will drive by Columbine High School which is really creepy to just happen across on your way to get a frozen delight.
5) Netflix is a lonely nights best friend. Cocoon II is on it's way. Netflix tells me it will be here next. IT BETTER NOT BE LYING.
6) I'm listening to a hell of a lot more southern music than I did in Nashville. Homesick? No. Proud? HELL. YEAH.
7) Working from home doesn't necessarily mean jammies and working from the couch. It means jammies and working at a desk, even longer hours than you worked in the office. WHO KNEW?
8) Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka isn't nearly as sweet drinking it alone in Colorado. The lovely man at the liquor store wasn't too interested in me thanking him profusely for selling it either. He said I was the first to buy a bottle in months- imagine that!
9) Unlike Inglewood Kroger where i got a sigh and an eye roll for bringing reusable grocery bags, you actually get a guilt trip for not bringing your bags in Denver. I actually apologized to a clerk for forgetting mine last week. She just looked away in disappointment. I hung my head in shame.
10) I'm not nearly as in shape as I thought I was. I thank Mount Sanitas for teaching me that naughty naughty lesson.
My most obvious observation so far? Denver is just another far away city without those you love around you. Still-this is exactly where I need to be right now. I have no doubt about that. I am thankful for the opportunity for a new start. Or a "Ctrl-Alt-Delete" as Carolyn put it.
Come visit soon.
Love,
April
Observations include:
1) Denver doesn't know Mexican food. After all- what is a mexican restaurant without cheese dip? It's a place for liars, that's what. Who covers chimichangas in melted shredded cheese? gross.
2) After about the 12th attempt at reaching a friend or family member on a lonely night, you are pretty much convinced that no one really cares about you being all alone out in the mountains. OR- they are all at a Nashville party that you weren't invited to. Thanks, ya'll.
3) The closest Baskin Robbins is 15.3 miles away from my house.
4) In driving to said Baskin Robbins, you will drive by Columbine High School which is really creepy to just happen across on your way to get a frozen delight.
5) Netflix is a lonely nights best friend. Cocoon II is on it's way. Netflix tells me it will be here next. IT BETTER NOT BE LYING.
6) I'm listening to a hell of a lot more southern music than I did in Nashville. Homesick? No. Proud? HELL. YEAH.
7) Working from home doesn't necessarily mean jammies and working from the couch. It means jammies and working at a desk, even longer hours than you worked in the office. WHO KNEW?
8) Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka isn't nearly as sweet drinking it alone in Colorado. The lovely man at the liquor store wasn't too interested in me thanking him profusely for selling it either. He said I was the first to buy a bottle in months- imagine that!
9) Unlike Inglewood Kroger where i got a sigh and an eye roll for bringing reusable grocery bags, you actually get a guilt trip for not bringing your bags in Denver. I actually apologized to a clerk for forgetting mine last week. She just looked away in disappointment. I hung my head in shame.
10) I'm not nearly as in shape as I thought I was. I thank Mount Sanitas for teaching me that naughty naughty lesson.
My most obvious observation so far? Denver is just another far away city without those you love around you. Still-this is exactly where I need to be right now. I have no doubt about that. I am thankful for the opportunity for a new start. Or a "Ctrl-Alt-Delete" as Carolyn put it.
Come visit soon.
Love,
April
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
