Based on my post below, I'm curious about your magazine reading habits --
Do you read magazines?
Do you keep them once you've read them? Recycle them? Donate them to the library or a resale shop?
What do you read that you recommend to others?
Do you read denomination or craft or vocation-specific magazines?
Where do you get them? Do you subscribe? Read them at the library? Buy them at the newstand or bookstore?
Oooo... Maybe I'll discover a new magazine.... I can hardly wait!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Scheduled Outage and Organization
When I logged into blogger just now it told me about a scheduled outage that they're having. Clearly I wasn't going to blog about that, as I didn't know about it.
However, as I blow my nose and rub my eyes, I desperately wish that I could schedule my outages. After being sick for what feels like all of January, I'm tired of outages. This feels like a pretty standard "common cold" but still crummy.
In my quest to be more organized this year, I've been doing some reading on simplifying and organizing. Funny, isn't it, that instead of doing it, I'm reading about doing it. Ah, yes.
Someone recommended paring down the magazine subscriptions that one gets. Of all the horrifying suggestions that I've read, this maybe takes the cake. It's true that I don't read everything that we get, but I can't imagine not getting them. There are two that I will let lapse this next year. One because in all the years I've gotten a certain cooking magazine, I've only once made one of the light recipes that they tout -- and then I added extra goat cheese to the recipe, so it probably didn't negated everything. And, the other because I feel bad when I read it and it seems that there's enough things in my life that make me feel bad.
So, with that, I'm off to read Real Simple at lunch. Cheers.
However, as I blow my nose and rub my eyes, I desperately wish that I could schedule my outages. After being sick for what feels like all of January, I'm tired of outages. This feels like a pretty standard "common cold" but still crummy.
In my quest to be more organized this year, I've been doing some reading on simplifying and organizing. Funny, isn't it, that instead of doing it, I'm reading about doing it. Ah, yes.
Someone recommended paring down the magazine subscriptions that one gets. Of all the horrifying suggestions that I've read, this maybe takes the cake. It's true that I don't read everything that we get, but I can't imagine not getting them. There are two that I will let lapse this next year. One because in all the years I've gotten a certain cooking magazine, I've only once made one of the light recipes that they tout -- and then I added extra goat cheese to the recipe, so it probably didn't negated everything. And, the other because I feel bad when I read it and it seems that there's enough things in my life that make me feel bad.
So, with that, I'm off to read Real Simple at lunch. Cheers.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Five Pleasures of My Life
In no particular order -- and clearly not the only pleasures in my life!
1. Nice pens. I just bought some new ones this morning and they're dreamy -- Colored Foray roller tips (pink, orange, green, purple, etc.) and more serviceable Pilot Precise v5s in blue, black, red, but also purple and green with a bonus Pilot PreciseGrip pen.
2. A massage or a massage chair pedicure. Enough said. It's been far too long.
3. Joseph Schmidt truffles. The perfect gift when boxed.
4. A flight of wine with cheese.
5. A quick-read book from the library
1. Nice pens. I just bought some new ones this morning and they're dreamy -- Colored Foray roller tips (pink, orange, green, purple, etc.) and more serviceable Pilot Precise v5s in blue, black, red, but also purple and green with a bonus Pilot PreciseGrip pen.
2. A massage or a massage chair pedicure. Enough said. It's been far too long.
3. Joseph Schmidt truffles. The perfect gift when boxed.
4. A flight of wine with cheese.
5. A quick-read book from the library
Thursday, January 19, 2006
And sometimes I don't
love the people whom I serve.
I thought about posting this last night, but I was still steaming -- after venting to my Dear Colleague and later to my Dear Husband. Nearly 24 hours later, I'm not really steaming anymore and can sort of laugh it off (until it happens again) but I'm not ready to let it go, so I'll post it here...
Context: It's late afternoon and I'm in my office at the end of the hallway. My colleague's office is next to mine, but he's not in it. I'm finishing up a few things and mentally preparing to transition to two back-to-back off-site meetings.
I hear someone coming down the hall and welcome the distraction. Sweet Liza (not her real name), whose daughter is a pastor, sticks her head in my office and then in Dear Colleague's office and then back in mine says,
"I thought I saw the pastor come down here, but I guess not. Maybe you can help me..."
Even just writing it down makes me get a little bubbly around the edges, because evidently in this context you have to be over 60 and A MAN to be a PASTOR... For the record, it'll be ANOTHER 30 years before I think about hitting 60 and I'll NEVER be a MAN....
Her request?
Whether or not the nursery could use a play-pen. Clearly she needed to talk to The Pastor.
Where was The Pastor during this exchange?
In the kitchen.
That part makes me smile.
I thought about posting this last night, but I was still steaming -- after venting to my Dear Colleague and later to my Dear Husband. Nearly 24 hours later, I'm not really steaming anymore and can sort of laugh it off (until it happens again) but I'm not ready to let it go, so I'll post it here...
Context: It's late afternoon and I'm in my office at the end of the hallway. My colleague's office is next to mine, but he's not in it. I'm finishing up a few things and mentally preparing to transition to two back-to-back off-site meetings.
I hear someone coming down the hall and welcome the distraction. Sweet Liza (not her real name), whose daughter is a pastor, sticks her head in my office and then in Dear Colleague's office and then back in mine says,
"I thought I saw the pastor come down here, but I guess not. Maybe you can help me..."
Even just writing it down makes me get a little bubbly around the edges, because evidently in this context you have to be over 60 and A MAN to be a PASTOR... For the record, it'll be ANOTHER 30 years before I think about hitting 60 and I'll NEVER be a MAN....
Her request?
Whether or not the nursery could use a play-pen. Clearly she needed to talk to The Pastor.
Where was The Pastor during this exchange?
In the kitchen.
That part makes me smile.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
New Song Obsession
I know it's a little bit cheesy, but every time I've seen the ad for "Boston Legal" this past week, with special guest Michael J. Fox, I've gotten a little weepy.
I openly cried once, just during the ad. Part of it is the personal cultural impact of Fox as an actor, part of it is the song that they chose to accompany the ad and the scene.
I obsessively searched for it tonight, scouring "boston legal" websites and searching for snippets of lyrics. Isn't the internet a great thing?
After I found it, I bought it from iTunes and am now listening to it on repeat.
In case you're wondering, the song is Warren Zevon's "Keep Me in Your Heart for A While" from his album, "The Wind."
He finished the album after being diagnosed with cancer.
I openly cried once, just during the ad. Part of it is the personal cultural impact of Fox as an actor, part of it is the song that they chose to accompany the ad and the scene.
I obsessively searched for it tonight, scouring "boston legal" websites and searching for snippets of lyrics. Isn't the internet a great thing?
After I found it, I bought it from iTunes and am now listening to it on repeat.
In case you're wondering, the song is Warren Zevon's "Keep Me in Your Heart for A While" from his album, "The Wind."
He finished the album after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Four Meme, slightly edited
Four Jobs I've Had in My Life (before being a pastor)
Broasting chicken
Selling books
Nanny
Waiting tables
Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over, and Have
Beautiful Girls
Whalerider
Love Actually
Life as a House
Four TV Shows I Love To Watch
Will and Grace
Law and Order
The Today Show
The News
Four Places I Have Been On Vacation
Antigua, Guatemala
Galena, IL
Southern California
North Shore, Lake Superior, Minnesota Side
Four Favorite Foods
Zuppa Toscana at Olive Garden
Thin crust pizza
My dad's chocolate chip cookies
Bleu Cheese Burger
Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now
Target
A wine tasting
Reading in a cabin on a lake
Listening to Barbara Brown Taylor
Broasting chicken
Selling books
Nanny
Waiting tables
Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over, and Have
Beautiful Girls
Whalerider
Love Actually
Life as a House
Four TV Shows I Love To Watch
Will and Grace
Law and Order
The Today Show
The News
Four Places I Have Been On Vacation
Antigua, Guatemala
Galena, IL
Southern California
North Shore, Lake Superior, Minnesota Side
Four Favorite Foods
Zuppa Toscana at Olive Garden
Thin crust pizza
My dad's chocolate chip cookies
Bleu Cheese Burger
Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now
Target
A wine tasting
Reading in a cabin on a lake
Listening to Barbara Brown Taylor
Friday, January 13, 2006
Travelin' Five
Edited to provide some rationale and changed to be able to provide the reasoning without giving up some anonymity.
In no particular order, five places that I've been that have been important to me...
1. Bountiful, Utah -- because I was lost.
2. Norway -- because it forced me to get a passport, which needs renewing this year.
3. Honolulu -- because it made me feel glamorous. Until I got so sunburnt on my backside the day before I left that it hurt to sit down for the entire flight home. And it's a long flight from Hawaii to the midwest.
4. Lewiston, Maine -- because it was to see a boy who was a summer fling who should have stayed a summer fling.
5. San Juan Capistrano, CA -- because it was to see a boy who wasn't a summer fling but maybe should have been.
In no particular order, five places that I've been that have been important to me...
1. Bountiful, Utah -- because I was lost.
2. Norway -- because it forced me to get a passport, which needs renewing this year.
3. Honolulu -- because it made me feel glamorous. Until I got so sunburnt on my backside the day before I left that it hurt to sit down for the entire flight home. And it's a long flight from Hawaii to the midwest.
4. Lewiston, Maine -- because it was to see a boy who was a summer fling who should have stayed a summer fling.
5. San Juan Capistrano, CA -- because it was to see a boy who wasn't a summer fling but maybe should have been.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Sisters
I've always wondered what it would be like to have a sister.
I'm the only girl in a two-child family.
My brother and I are quite a few years apart and have never really developed that sibling bond. We're both far more like only children than kids who had a sibling. We live in different states and see each other for the occasional holiday that our schedules allow. I wouldn't call us close.
I see sisters in worship and think how lucky they are. I read the blogs of sisters and idealize their relationship -- thinking that the comments they leave one another and the references they make to one another are beautiful examples of what it means to be family. I know that it's not always that way and that there is plenty of strife that probably comes along with having a sister or two.
I know that I am guilty of idealizing the relationships that other families have -- whether sisters or brothers or simply close siblings -- while ignoring or at least minimizing the fights and name calling and bitterness that sometimes exists between siblings. And, that more than a sister, I want that ideal relationship with a sibling that doesn't really exist.
However, when I say it in my mind, it comes out like a little child petitioning a parent, "I want a sister."
I'm the only girl in a two-child family.
My brother and I are quite a few years apart and have never really developed that sibling bond. We're both far more like only children than kids who had a sibling. We live in different states and see each other for the occasional holiday that our schedules allow. I wouldn't call us close.
I see sisters in worship and think how lucky they are. I read the blogs of sisters and idealize their relationship -- thinking that the comments they leave one another and the references they make to one another are beautiful examples of what it means to be family. I know that it's not always that way and that there is plenty of strife that probably comes along with having a sister or two.
I know that I am guilty of idealizing the relationships that other families have -- whether sisters or brothers or simply close siblings -- while ignoring or at least minimizing the fights and name calling and bitterness that sometimes exists between siblings. And, that more than a sister, I want that ideal relationship with a sibling that doesn't really exist.
However, when I say it in my mind, it comes out like a little child petitioning a parent, "I want a sister."
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Some random thoughts for the morning
Although I realize that it's already afternoon, in my mind it's morning -- because after a 3+ hour council meeting and a darling Baby Boy who decided to get up twice in the very short time between when I got home and when daylight broke, my DH took BB to daycare this morning and I went back to bed ... I feel somewhat like a slacker because I then slept until nearly 11, but I need to remind myself that a) I was really sick last week AND b) I'm at church three evenings this week AND c) I'm on an overnight retreat with confirmation students Friday and all day Saturday AND d) just because my colleague is a workaholic doesn't mean that I need to be, too.
So, onward and upward with some other random thoughts --
I love stamps -- good ol' postage stamps. Without any commentary on rising postage costs, stamps are one venue in which pretty and interesting doesn't cost more.
Tidying the piles on my desk makes me feel like I've cleaned. I realize it's only on the surface, but it makes me feel better.
It would be helpful to look at the texts for this weekend, as I'm preaching and there is that aforementioned confirmation retreat that will suck the life out of Saturday.
I hope you all are well.
So, onward and upward with some other random thoughts --
I love stamps -- good ol' postage stamps. Without any commentary on rising postage costs, stamps are one venue in which pretty and interesting doesn't cost more.
Tidying the piles on my desk makes me feel like I've cleaned. I realize it's only on the surface, but it makes me feel better.
It would be helpful to look at the texts for this weekend, as I'm preaching and there is that aforementioned confirmation retreat that will suck the life out of Saturday.
I hope you all are well.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Well
It's been a really long time since I've been as sick as I was this week.
I hope that it's a long time before it happens again.
I don't dare to venture that I'm 100% yet, but I'm back to work, for at least part of the day. And it doesn't hurt to swallow anymore.
These are all good things.
Thanks to all for the well wishes. I'm on the mend.
I hope that it's a long time before it happens again.
I don't dare to venture that I'm 100% yet, but I'm back to work, for at least part of the day. And it doesn't hurt to swallow anymore.
These are all good things.
Thanks to all for the well wishes. I'm on the mend.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
love
As I'm contemplating my resolutions, I'm thinking that one of them might be to be a more positive person. This might surprise my friends as I'm often the optimist of the bunch. I guess I'm thinking of being more positive as I think of my call and the transitioning world around me. Perhaps I mean less anxious -- and a way of going about that, I think, is to acknowledge the positives in the world.
And so, for the eve of the new year, a very short list of things (trivial and monumental) that I love at the moment:
My family -- in all of its craziness -- husband and son, in-laws and immediates, distant weird ones who talk too much and close ones who don't talk at all. I love you.
My new sparkly house shoes -- who would have thought that olive green could look so good with sparkles. I knew I really loved them when I retrieved the paper in them this morning and gasped as I saw they'd gotten wet.
My friends -- in all of your incarnations -- the ones with whom I've stayed up all night talking and laughing and those who only know me as 'pink shoes' and are OK with that, near and far, those who have known me since junior high or college and send me Christmas cards even though I've never, ever sent you a card. This is your year, by the way...
My bathrobe -- with its ultimate softness and polka dots -- which I bought on a whim and didn't hesitate for even a moment.
Happy New Year!
What do you love?
And so, for the eve of the new year, a very short list of things (trivial and monumental) that I love at the moment:
My family -- in all of its craziness -- husband and son, in-laws and immediates, distant weird ones who talk too much and close ones who don't talk at all. I love you.
My new sparkly house shoes -- who would have thought that olive green could look so good with sparkles. I knew I really loved them when I retrieved the paper in them this morning and gasped as I saw they'd gotten wet.
My friends -- in all of your incarnations -- the ones with whom I've stayed up all night talking and laughing and those who only know me as 'pink shoes' and are OK with that, near and far, those who have known me since junior high or college and send me Christmas cards even though I've never, ever sent you a card. This is your year, by the way...
My bathrobe -- with its ultimate softness and polka dots -- which I bought on a whim and didn't hesitate for even a moment.
Happy New Year!
What do you love?
Friday, December 30, 2005
RevGal Friday Five: Resolutions
1) Do you make New Year's Resolutions?
Sometimes.
2) If so, are they generally successful?
About as successful as the practices to which I attend during Lent. Which is to say -- occasionally. I'm better at keeping resolutions, or attending to spiritual practices if they aren't made in conjunction with a 'formal' event or time. ie, if no one expects me to be making a resolution... However, perhaps my best success was when I resolved to become a better tipper at restaurants. I used to not be a very good tipper, even though I waited tables in college -- now I'm a very conscientious tipper and often generous.
3) Do you write them down, or make a mental list?
Mental list.
4) Even if you don't make resolutions, is there something you want to focus on in the New Year?
I've been thinking about that this week -- and I'm still thinking.
5) And do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
Yep -- we have a SITTER!! because we have early dinner reservations with friends.
Sometimes.
2) If so, are they generally successful?
About as successful as the practices to which I attend during Lent. Which is to say -- occasionally. I'm better at keeping resolutions, or attending to spiritual practices if they aren't made in conjunction with a 'formal' event or time. ie, if no one expects me to be making a resolution... However, perhaps my best success was when I resolved to become a better tipper at restaurants. I used to not be a very good tipper, even though I waited tables in college -- now I'm a very conscientious tipper and often generous.
3) Do you write them down, or make a mental list?
Mental list.
4) Even if you don't make resolutions, is there something you want to focus on in the New Year?
I've been thinking about that this week -- and I'm still thinking.
5) And do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
Yep -- we have a SITTER!! because we have early dinner reservations with friends.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Reports and Review
Our annual reports to our bishops are available for filling out and sending in. It was a good moment in my usual-procrastination-filled life that I actually did this yesterday. I mean, I actually filled it out and sent it in.
Filling out this form in which I list what continuing education opportunities I've taken and what my special emphases will be for the next year and what support or encouragement I need for them is an interesting adventure. It's good to review and it's good (for me) to be accountable to someone else. I'm far more productive that way.
Of course there are lots of things that I didn't report to the Bishop -- not that there was space for them, or that I would have wanted to report them, anyway. But I can do that here. So, as I review the past year, here's a partial report. Note: none of these headings actually are on the report.
Re: Preaching and presiding
I've learned that people like my sermons and that my voice doesn't make dog barks when I chant the liturgy as I once thought it did. Some people have even remarked that I have a 'lovely' singing voice. Huh.
Re: Pastoral presence
It's important for me to wear my collar when I go to the hospital or the nursing home. However, I've learned that not only do the old women at the home recognize me as a pastor, they're OK with it. And, I'm OK with the fact that they call me sweetheart and honey. And, for as young as they say that I am, the youth group thinks I'm really not that young. No matter how cool my bowling shoes are. And they're pretty cool.
Re: My surroundings
The suburbs aren't THAT bad. Really. I think. OK, I'm still working on this one -- perhaps a good "growing edge" for next year.
Re: My tolerance for pain
While I still can't stand the thought of getting a shot or having blood drawn or seeing anyone else get a shot or blood drawn, I must have an inner core of something somewhere, as I gave birth to my child without anything for the pain. While on pitocin.
Re: What gives me strength
Being proactive and getting a blog and joining the RevGalBlogPals webring and writing with some regularity. I used to write a lot ... considered myself something of a 'writer,' whatever that meant in my world at the time, and hadn't for a long time.
Happy New Year to all. May your year be a good one.
Cheers.
Filling out this form in which I list what continuing education opportunities I've taken and what my special emphases will be for the next year and what support or encouragement I need for them is an interesting adventure. It's good to review and it's good (for me) to be accountable to someone else. I'm far more productive that way.
Of course there are lots of things that I didn't report to the Bishop -- not that there was space for them, or that I would have wanted to report them, anyway. But I can do that here. So, as I review the past year, here's a partial report. Note: none of these headings actually are on the report.
Re: Preaching and presiding
I've learned that people like my sermons and that my voice doesn't make dog barks when I chant the liturgy as I once thought it did. Some people have even remarked that I have a 'lovely' singing voice. Huh.
Re: Pastoral presence
It's important for me to wear my collar when I go to the hospital or the nursing home. However, I've learned that not only do the old women at the home recognize me as a pastor, they're OK with it. And, I'm OK with the fact that they call me sweetheart and honey. And, for as young as they say that I am, the youth group thinks I'm really not that young. No matter how cool my bowling shoes are. And they're pretty cool.
Re: My surroundings
The suburbs aren't THAT bad. Really. I think. OK, I'm still working on this one -- perhaps a good "growing edge" for next year.
Re: My tolerance for pain
While I still can't stand the thought of getting a shot or having blood drawn or seeing anyone else get a shot or blood drawn, I must have an inner core of something somewhere, as I gave birth to my child without anything for the pain. While on pitocin.
Re: What gives me strength
Being proactive and getting a blog and joining the RevGalBlogPals webring and writing with some regularity. I used to write a lot ... considered myself something of a 'writer,' whatever that meant in my world at the time, and hadn't for a long time.
Happy New Year to all. May your year be a good one.
Cheers.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
My own meme -- via revgalblogpals
1. What is the best gift you received this year? (Tangible gifts only, please!)
Tickets to see "Wicked" and dinner reservations.
2. What is the best gift you gave this year?
I felt like my gifts lacked some of the creative lustre that they sometimes have ... probably the remote controlled bug car for my three-almost-four year old nephew. But he hasn't opened it yet, so shhhhhh...
3. When did you do most of your shopping/creating?
Mid-November and then again in the days before Christmas.
4. Did you go shopping the day after Thanksgiving (U.S.)? Today?
Yes to both -- and neither a wholly bad experience!
5. What stands out already about Christmas 2005?
The first Christmas with the Baby Boy and the craziness that ensued because of it... also the lack of centrality that opening presents had, in contrast to other years. Baby Boy is teething (he got the lyrical "two front teeth" for Christmas) and his crankiness or charmingness dictated much of our celebration, in addition to the eight services between us that My Husband the Preacher and I had on Christmas Eve/Day.
Tickets to see "Wicked" and dinner reservations.
2. What is the best gift you gave this year?
I felt like my gifts lacked some of the creative lustre that they sometimes have ... probably the remote controlled bug car for my three-almost-four year old nephew. But he hasn't opened it yet, so shhhhhh...
3. When did you do most of your shopping/creating?
Mid-November and then again in the days before Christmas.
4. Did you go shopping the day after Thanksgiving (U.S.)? Today?
Yes to both -- and neither a wholly bad experience!
5. What stands out already about Christmas 2005?
The first Christmas with the Baby Boy and the craziness that ensued because of it... also the lack of centrality that opening presents had, in contrast to other years. Baby Boy is teething (he got the lyrical "two front teeth" for Christmas) and his crankiness or charmingness dictated much of our celebration, in addition to the eight services between us that My Husband the Preacher and I had on Christmas Eve/Day.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Because it's good to remind myself
10 things that I like about "my church"
1. We have a fantastic music director who knocks my socks off
2. People genuinely seem to like each other (for the most part)
3. Change happens (slowly sometimes, but it happens)
4. My office is pretty
5. We have three people going to/applying to seminary right now
6. I can have a conversation with my colleague about church and about non-church things
7. It's not perfect
8. People smile when they come in the front door
9. I can be a little sassy with most folks
10. The people here know that they are children of God (if only because we tell them every week!)
1. We have a fantastic music director who knocks my socks off
2. People genuinely seem to like each other (for the most part)
3. Change happens (slowly sometimes, but it happens)
4. My office is pretty
5. We have three people going to/applying to seminary right now
6. I can have a conversation with my colleague about church and about non-church things
7. It's not perfect
8. People smile when they come in the front door
9. I can be a little sassy with most folks
10. The people here know that they are children of God (if only because we tell them every week!)
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Controlled Chaos
In no way am I going to proclaim that I have it all together. You don't have to read very far in my archives to know that I'm hanging on by a thread most days.... However, there's the strangest feeling that comes over me every December that I've been a pastor-type: the sense of controlled chaos.
Little things don't seem to bother me -- like the fact that everyone was late for our meeting on Monday, or only one person showed up for a meeting I called Sunday after worship, or even the bigger things, like the once-again three hour council meeting last night seem to slide away.
I know that it will all come crashing down again in January -- which for me is always far worse than December, because it's all about expectations. In December, everyone expects that I'm so busy that many things don't happen. But in January, when we're getting down to the details for the annual meeting and everyone else is gearing to go because they were so busy in December, then the world spins a little faster.
It could just be, also, that I'm lulled into some strange state of being as a result of the over-decorated stores that I frequent, and that this time of year I give some thought about how to show my appreciation for the staff, making me realize that I do really like (and even respect usually) the people with whom I work.
Little things don't seem to bother me -- like the fact that everyone was late for our meeting on Monday, or only one person showed up for a meeting I called Sunday after worship, or even the bigger things, like the once-again three hour council meeting last night seem to slide away.
I know that it will all come crashing down again in January -- which for me is always far worse than December, because it's all about expectations. In December, everyone expects that I'm so busy that many things don't happen. But in January, when we're getting down to the details for the annual meeting and everyone else is gearing to go because they were so busy in December, then the world spins a little faster.
It could just be, also, that I'm lulled into some strange state of being as a result of the over-decorated stores that I frequent, and that this time of year I give some thought about how to show my appreciation for the staff, making me realize that I do really like (and even respect usually) the people with whom I work.
Friday, December 09, 2005
RevGal Snow Day
1) Snow: love it or hate it?
Love it, particularly if I don't have to drive anywhere -- I'm a bigger fan of snow outside the city, where it can be pretty for longer.
2) First snow memory
Hmmmm... Not sure that I have a particular memory -- lots of snowforts and tunnels in our front yard (a native Minnesotan), snowball fights with my brother, etc.
At one point I fell off of the snowmobile with my brother driving, into a slushy spot on the river -- I was maybe 5 or 6, in school either way -- and my snowsuit was wet and cold...
3) Best Snow Day ever (actual or imagined)
They cancelled classes at my college alma mater a couple of times because of snow and weather -- I can't remember what I did, but there was something fantastically wonderful about a snow day in college.
4) Best use of snow in a movie, song, book or poem
The collection of poetry for kids, Winter Poems
I found a copy of this at a used book sale and I love to look at it this time of year.
5) What you are planning to do today, with or without snow
We have snow and it's beautiful!! The sun is out and the sidewalks are shoveled and the roads are safe -- and, get this, I'm taking the afternoon OFF to do home things -- decorating and shopping and maybe even cook a meal for dinner!!! I'm so excited I can hardly sit still.
Love it, particularly if I don't have to drive anywhere -- I'm a bigger fan of snow outside the city, where it can be pretty for longer.
2) First snow memory
Hmmmm... Not sure that I have a particular memory -- lots of snowforts and tunnels in our front yard (a native Minnesotan), snowball fights with my brother, etc.
At one point I fell off of the snowmobile with my brother driving, into a slushy spot on the river -- I was maybe 5 or 6, in school either way -- and my snowsuit was wet and cold...
3) Best Snow Day ever (actual or imagined)
They cancelled classes at my college alma mater a couple of times because of snow and weather -- I can't remember what I did, but there was something fantastically wonderful about a snow day in college.
4) Best use of snow in a movie, song, book or poem
The collection of poetry for kids, Winter Poems
I found a copy of this at a used book sale and I love to look at it this time of year.
5) What you are planning to do today, with or without snow
We have snow and it's beautiful!! The sun is out and the sidewalks are shoveled and the roads are safe -- and, get this, I'm taking the afternoon OFF to do home things -- decorating and shopping and maybe even cook a meal for dinner!!! I'm so excited I can hardly sit still.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Calling all parents ... Help!
OK, the darling Baby Boy is almost 7 months old and about 2 months ago we introduced cereal to his diet. We haven't been real consistent, but it was going well.
He tried peas and sweet potatoes and seemed to like both until he threw up; we promptly discontinued that adventure.
Now he's refusing everything but me or a bottle -- he'll have 6 bites of cereal at daycare or a couple with me or none at all. He's gaining weight and growing and seems happy ... I'll admit it's me (and my husband) with the "what's wrong" complex.
Anyone else out there have a child who didn't like baby food (jarred or freshly pureed or frozen... I've tried fruits and veggies)and turned out just fine?
He tried peas and sweet potatoes and seemed to like both until he threw up; we promptly discontinued that adventure.
Now he's refusing everything but me or a bottle -- he'll have 6 bites of cereal at daycare or a couple with me or none at all. He's gaining weight and growing and seems happy ... I'll admit it's me (and my husband) with the "what's wrong" complex.
Anyone else out there have a child who didn't like baby food (jarred or freshly pureed or frozen... I've tried fruits and veggies)and turned out just fine?
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
It's been awhile
Since I posted something of substance. I write a lot of posts in my head -- beautiful essay-type posts that clarify my position on the church, my job, my marriage and my child. These brain-posts are helpful in the moment, when I hear the words in my mind as I'm driving, but they don't do anything for my blog -- and when I go to retrieve them, they most often aren't there.
I had the thought yesterday that I should do some sort of free writing exercise on my blog -- a daily post of some sort without rhyme or reason. I'm not sure that I'm that disciplined or that I have that much to say... although, really, that's not the point. It is usally how my sermons start, though: A style of writing in which I sit down and start typing, "If no one were going to be offended by anything that I said, this is what I would say....." Or, "If I didn't care what anyone thought, here's what I would preach....." Perhaps the scariest for me to begin with is: "What I need to hear from this text...." Usually a sermon develops that allows me to say what needs to be said and no one gets up to leave.
I do a lot more reading of blogs than I have been posting -- and that's good and bad. I read lovely posts that inspire me to do something or to write and then I think, "Oh, but I could never write like (fill in the blank)." I'm not really that insecure, just have my moments of perfectionist freakishness.
So, I raise my glass (er, my super-size coffee mug) to all the faithful bloggers out there who write something for me to read. Some days I'm not sure what I would do without you!
I had the thought yesterday that I should do some sort of free writing exercise on my blog -- a daily post of some sort without rhyme or reason. I'm not sure that I'm that disciplined or that I have that much to say... although, really, that's not the point. It is usally how my sermons start, though: A style of writing in which I sit down and start typing, "If no one were going to be offended by anything that I said, this is what I would say....." Or, "If I didn't care what anyone thought, here's what I would preach....." Perhaps the scariest for me to begin with is: "What I need to hear from this text...." Usually a sermon develops that allows me to say what needs to be said and no one gets up to leave.
I do a lot more reading of blogs than I have been posting -- and that's good and bad. I read lovely posts that inspire me to do something or to write and then I think, "Oh, but I could never write like (fill in the blank)." I'm not really that insecure, just have my moments of perfectionist freakishness.
So, I raise my glass (er, my super-size coffee mug) to all the faithful bloggers out there who write something for me to read. Some days I'm not sure what I would do without you!
Friday, December 02, 2005
The Christian Calendar
I'm a little behind on this post -- and actually on ordering my own -- but this is a great calendar. Instead of following the months, it follows the seasons of the church. It has fantastic art work, and this year it's supposed to be bigger and better.
I don't usually plug commercial ventures, but this one is a mission project of the University Hill Congregation - United Church of Canada, Vancouver, BC. I like to support the neighbors to the North. This will be my third year using the calendar and it's helpful to remind myself of the other ordering of my days...
Even if you don't order one, take a look at their website.
Peace, and Happy Adventing.
I don't usually plug commercial ventures, but this one is a mission project of the University Hill Congregation - United Church of Canada, Vancouver, BC. I like to support the neighbors to the North. This will be my third year using the calendar and it's helpful to remind myself of the other ordering of my days...
Even if you don't order one, take a look at their website.
Peace, and Happy Adventing.
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