I typically will spend a few days learning about random things that I think will be profitable either to myself or to others. These past couple of days I've been learning more about the lymphatic system and it is quite fascinating!
The lymphatic system doesn't pump the lymph throughout your body on it's own, it needs you to make some effort. Can you say exercise? A really great exercise that helps keep the lymphatic system moving along smoothly (as opposed to getting clogged up in the nodes) is rebounding. A rebounder is basically a mini trampoline, though there are varying degrees of quality. A gentle bounce, called the "health bounce" for five minutes a day is all that is needed to capitalize on rebounding's benefits for lymphatic health. In fact, it's encouraged that you start out gently in your routine rather than starting a rigorous workout.
The gentle action is enough to move the fluids so they can promote healing throughout your body. After all, you wouldn't want to counter the healing benefit by injuring yourself! Also, drink plenty of fluids, water being the ideal, to keep the lymph fluids moving along nicely.
One other notable tidbit is gentle massage to your lymph node areas, especially where there may be excessive build up. This is what was happening to me with my right under arm shoulder area. For years I thought I was having carpal tunnel issues as the pain was affecting the rest of my right arm, even down to my hands. Who knew? I simply started to massage the area to try and isolate where the pain was sourced from. Ultimately, I ended up at the swollen lymph node under my right armpit. (I just had a mammogram about two months ago with a clean bill of health, so was able to rule that out right away). Every opportunity I get, I try and massage this area to work the node. It's amazing to me the relief I have experienced. Though not 100%, there is a very noticeable improvement. It must be that the swollen node was not allowing room for nerve activity to happen fully.
About 3-4 years ago I was encouraged to have carpal tunnel surgery. I didn't feel conforatble with that; it just didn't seem like getting cut up was the solution, but rather seemed quite rash and extreme! I am SO GLAD that I didn't go that route, as clearly, the source of the problem would still exist and I'd have had a needless surgery. I am one of those folks who likes to explore the least invasive, most natural/gentle form of remedy first. I just don't understand how medical professionals can honestly go there as the first mode of solution, that, or drugs! But, then again, I DO KNOW that they have to work with health insurance policies, and sadly, homeopathic/ natural cures are not covered!
I have nothing against medical professionals, rather, I know they're of great value when you really need them. Same with meds and surgical procedures. It's just that these days, there's way too much relinquishing of our own will to the will of our caregivers. There's also not enough information being provided to the patient as a natural alternative to all these drastic measures. We have to take charge of our own health and learn what is available, especially what's going to have the least consequences and be the least invasive.
It's okay to ask your healthcare provider about alternative options to things they suggest. Ask them what is the least invasive option. And also, don't feel compelled to have something done that you're not at peace about. Sometimes the doctors are right, but sometimes they have been know to misdiagnose things. Not because they're stupid, but because they may not have all the facts about your situation.
Good health to you!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Inspirational Blog - Roy Lessin's Meet Me in the Meadow
I found this inspirational blog from the co-founder of daysprings. On many occasions it has enriched my life. You may enjoy it too, so I have posted it here. Please feel free to bookmark it to your favorites if you so desire. I did!
http://roy.dayspring.com/
Recent excerpts from Roy Lessin's blog:
Fret Busters #23, #24
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” Psalm 37:3
Great Quotes
You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16
God chooses the weak things and the despised. Paul seems almost at a loss to know how to define the things, so weak and despicable in men’s eyes, that God elects to use. In a telling phrase he sums them up as the “the things which are not.” I Corinthians 1:28.
http://roy.dayspring.com/
Recent excerpts from Roy Lessin's blog:
Fret Busters #23, #24
There is one thing that God says to every believer, regardless of his circumstances — “Trust Me.”
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” Psalm 37:3
Confidence is not based on you having all the resources needed to take care of yourself; confidence is based upon the truth that God is faithful.
Great Quotes
You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16
It is much that He should satisfy the need, the want; but He goes far beyond that. Pity is moved to meet our need; duty may sometimes look after our wants; but to satisfy the desire implies a tender watchfulness, a sweet and gracious knowledge of us, an eagerness of blessing. God is never satisfied until He has satisfied our desires. –Mark Guy Pearse
God chooses the weak things and the despised. Paul seems almost at a loss to know how to define the things, so weak and despicable in men’s eyes, that God elects to use. In a telling phrase he sums them up as the “the things which are not.” I Corinthians 1:28.
Do you fall in that category? Do not despair. Far from being at a disadvantage as compared with others, you may in fact have the edge over them. For at least you are already at zero, and have not a long way still to go to reach God’s starting point!
–Watchman Nee
Humility
Those who walk before God in humility are:
Weak enough to lean upon His strength;
Small enough to look upon His greatness;
Patient enough to wait upon His timing;
Empty enough to draw upon His fullness;
Poor enough to depend upon His riches;
Needy enough to count upon His grace.
“I love being nothing so He can be my all.” -Don Lessin
Emerson - A Heart Reignited
Reading an Introduction into The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, I was stirred by the words of Mary Oliver. As she described Emerson I was reminded of how “like-souled” we are and how in many ways I desire to be like him in his simplicity in observing life, his contentment, and yet his deep thinking, active mind to find beauty in the most common observances of everyday life.
I have felt for some days, perhaps even weeks, as though I were half dead in my soul, trying to figure out why I should still draw breath daily when my life felt purposeless and empty of aim. Mind you, I was not suicidal, but rather, just sort of living on "empty". Life lacked something.
Last night, my soul’s embers, once thought smoldered and cold, were suddenly stirred while reading. Reignited was this small spark, a flicker, that turned into a slow and steady flame. I know now that much of what was lost was my own observation of life, life with its daily common happenings. Instead, I had been filling my day with the clutter of duty, chores, deadlines, etc… the mundane…all these calling me to attend to them, but all the while neglecting what has been a passion in life, the keen observation of life all around, and drawing upon the hidden lessons that life wants to teach me if I will stop and observe.
How seldom I had opened the doors so that I might step outside and see the happenings in my community. Here, I have been granted this unique privilege to live in this particular time, and in this unique area of the world. But sadly, my only portals to see outside this vessel had been the media…the news, magazines, articles, television, the internet, etc. To my own detriment I had ignored the most obvious portal of all – my own eyes, my own heart, my own understanding. How about those things I look upon, learn about, apply my heart to understand about what I am seeing. What about my perspective? Why should everyone else's perspective about life be more esteemed than my own? After all, they cannot see what only I can see. If perchance I understand what I am observing, I might in turn also elevate those who are involved.
Emerson in his introduction to his first published essay entitled Nature wrote, “The sun shines to-day also.” (This is our day to live, much like others who lived so fully before us! They had their time; we now have ours!)
Harriet Martineau wrote of Emerson, “His influence is of the curious sort. There is a vague nobleness and thorough sweetness about him, which move people to their very depths, without their being able to explain why… He conquers minds, as well as hearts, wherever he goes; and without convincing anybody’s reason of any one thing, exalts their reason, and makes their minds worth more than they ever were before.” 9th June, 1848
I want this to be the theme of my life, that others were better for having been in my presence, that they were edified, elevated, improved, for having known me. People should be left better than we find them! As a young girl I can recall my mother's teachings: "People cannot be replaced," she would say, "things can be replaced, but not people!" She helped me realize the worth of a man.
Emerson would daily jot notes in his journal – simple observances versed profoundly, and vice versa, profound observances versed simply. He wrote with eloquence. He was inspirational, yet modest. Some favorites of the thoughts he preserved in his journals:
And perhaps my favorite (taken from Ms. Oliver's introduction):
This last quote noted here gives wings to my petitions, reminding me that yes, I see the situation…indeed, it is right here; I am not denying it. I simply choose to change my perception, viewing it instead with God beside me. He is in the picture. Viewing it from God’s vantage point, suddenly, all appears possible!
I have felt for some days, perhaps even weeks, as though I were half dead in my soul, trying to figure out why I should still draw breath daily when my life felt purposeless and empty of aim. Mind you, I was not suicidal, but rather, just sort of living on "empty". Life lacked something.
Last night, my soul’s embers, once thought smoldered and cold, were suddenly stirred while reading. Reignited was this small spark, a flicker, that turned into a slow and steady flame. I know now that much of what was lost was my own observation of life, life with its daily common happenings. Instead, I had been filling my day with the clutter of duty, chores, deadlines, etc… the mundane…all these calling me to attend to them, but all the while neglecting what has been a passion in life, the keen observation of life all around, and drawing upon the hidden lessons that life wants to teach me if I will stop and observe.
How seldom I had opened the doors so that I might step outside and see the happenings in my community. Here, I have been granted this unique privilege to live in this particular time, and in this unique area of the world. But sadly, my only portals to see outside this vessel had been the media…the news, magazines, articles, television, the internet, etc. To my own detriment I had ignored the most obvious portal of all – my own eyes, my own heart, my own understanding. How about those things I look upon, learn about, apply my heart to understand about what I am seeing. What about my perspective? Why should everyone else's perspective about life be more esteemed than my own? After all, they cannot see what only I can see. If perchance I understand what I am observing, I might in turn also elevate those who are involved.
Emerson in his introduction to his first published essay entitled Nature wrote, “The sun shines to-day also.” (This is our day to live, much like others who lived so fully before us! They had their time; we now have ours!)
Harriet Martineau wrote of Emerson, “His influence is of the curious sort. There is a vague nobleness and thorough sweetness about him, which move people to their very depths, without their being able to explain why… He conquers minds, as well as hearts, wherever he goes; and without convincing anybody’s reason of any one thing, exalts their reason, and makes their minds worth more than they ever were before.” 9th June, 1848
I want this to be the theme of my life, that others were better for having been in my presence, that they were edified, elevated, improved, for having known me. People should be left better than we find them! As a young girl I can recall my mother's teachings: "People cannot be replaced," she would say, "things can be replaced, but not people!" She helped me realize the worth of a man.
Emerson would daily jot notes in his journal – simple observances versed profoundly, and vice versa, profound observances versed simply. He wrote with eloquence. He was inspirational, yet modest. Some favorites of the thoughts he preserved in his journals:
“We live amid surfaces, and the true art of life is to skate well on them.”
And perhaps my favorite (taken from Ms. Oliver's introduction):
Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view."
This last quote noted here gives wings to my petitions, reminding me that yes, I see the situation…indeed, it is right here; I am not denying it. I simply choose to change my perception, viewing it instead with God beside me. He is in the picture. Viewing it from God’s vantage point, suddenly, all appears possible!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Consumer Reports Picks the Best Cup o' Brew (Article)
Consumer Reports Picks the Best Cup o' Brew
Our top-rated Colombian coffee is also a CR Best Buy
By ConsumerReports.org
Folgers, Maxwell House, and Starbucks are America's best-selling ground coffees. But all three were iced by Eight O'Clock Colombian coffee in our taste tests. As for Starbucks, it didn't even place among the top regular coffees and trailed among decafs.
Our tests of 19 coffees also show that some of the best cost the least. At about $6 per pound, Eight O'Clock costs less than half the price of Gloria Jean's, Peet's, and other more expensive brands.
Like your joe without all the caffeine? Dunkin' Donuts and Millstone were the front runners among the decafs. But Folgers Gourmet Selection Lively Colombian came in close behind and costs up to $3 less per pound. But even the best decaffeinated coffees couldn't match the best regular brews in our taste tests.
What we tasted
Our coffee experts focused on 100 percent Colombian — a best-selling bean — for regular coffee. Most of our decaffeinated coffees are a blend of different beans.
What makes a great cup of Colombian? Lots of aroma and flavor, some floral notes and fruitiness, a touch of bitterness, and enough body to provide a feeling of fullness in the mouth. Woody, papery, or burnt tastes are off-notes.
Weeks of sipping and swirling confirmed that even 100 percent Colombian coffee and its Juan Valdez logo don't guarantee quality. Our trained testers unearthed other surprises:
Still so-so after all these years
Chock full o'Nuts and Maxwell House have pushed coffee that's "heavenly" and "good to the last drop" since 1932 and 1907, respectively. But off-notes, little complexity, and, for Chock full o' Nuts, variable quality put both behind Eight O'Clock.
When boutique isn't better
Midwest-based Caribou and Kickapoo beat an array of larger players among regular coffees. But Bucks County Coffee, from Langhorne, Penn., tasted only OK, and Peet's, from Berkeley, Calif., was burnt and bitter, despite costing $14 per pound. Peet's, Archer Farms, and Kickapoo also varied from batch to batch.
Caffeine differences
None of our decaffeinated coffees had more than 5 milligrams of caffeine per 6-ounce serving. But among regular coffees, Caribou and Bucks County had roughly four times the caffeine (195 milligrams) of some of the lowest-level brews. Medical experts say up to 600 milligrams per day is probably safe for most and can help keep you alert. But heart patients and women who are pregnant or nursing should stay below 200 milligrams, which might mean sidestepping those brands among the caffeinated coffees we tested.
How to choose
Several of our top coffees could save you $25 to $70 per year over pricier brands even if you drank just one 6-ounce cup per day. Here's what else to think about:
Consider how you take it
Coffees judged very good taste fine black. Milk and sugar can improve a mediocre coffee, but not even cream is likely to help the lowest-scoring decafs.
Choose a good coffeemaker
The best coffeemakers from our January report reached the 195º to 205º F required to get the best from the beans and avoid a weak or bitter brew. A top Michael Graves model costs just $40.
Consider grinding for fresher flavor
Even the best pre-ground coffee can't beat the best fresh-ground when it comes to taste. One top grinder from our January report, the Mr. Coffee IDS77, costs only $20.
Our top-rated Colombian coffee is also a CR Best Buy
By ConsumerReports.org
Folgers, Maxwell House, and Starbucks are America's best-selling ground coffees. But all three were iced by Eight O'Clock Colombian coffee in our taste tests. As for Starbucks, it didn't even place among the top regular coffees and trailed among decafs.
Our tests of 19 coffees also show that some of the best cost the least. At about $6 per pound, Eight O'Clock costs less than half the price of Gloria Jean's, Peet's, and other more expensive brands.
Like your joe without all the caffeine? Dunkin' Donuts and Millstone were the front runners among the decafs. But Folgers Gourmet Selection Lively Colombian came in close behind and costs up to $3 less per pound. But even the best decaffeinated coffees couldn't match the best regular brews in our taste tests.
What we tasted
Our coffee experts focused on 100 percent Colombian — a best-selling bean — for regular coffee. Most of our decaffeinated coffees are a blend of different beans.
What makes a great cup of Colombian? Lots of aroma and flavor, some floral notes and fruitiness, a touch of bitterness, and enough body to provide a feeling of fullness in the mouth. Woody, papery, or burnt tastes are off-notes.
Weeks of sipping and swirling confirmed that even 100 percent Colombian coffee and its Juan Valdez logo don't guarantee quality. Our trained testers unearthed other surprises:
Still so-so after all these years
Chock full o'Nuts and Maxwell House have pushed coffee that's "heavenly" and "good to the last drop" since 1932 and 1907, respectively. But off-notes, little complexity, and, for Chock full o' Nuts, variable quality put both behind Eight O'Clock.
When boutique isn't better
Midwest-based Caribou and Kickapoo beat an array of larger players among regular coffees. But Bucks County Coffee, from Langhorne, Penn., tasted only OK, and Peet's, from Berkeley, Calif., was burnt and bitter, despite costing $14 per pound. Peet's, Archer Farms, and Kickapoo also varied from batch to batch.
Caffeine differences
None of our decaffeinated coffees had more than 5 milligrams of caffeine per 6-ounce serving. But among regular coffees, Caribou and Bucks County had roughly four times the caffeine (195 milligrams) of some of the lowest-level brews. Medical experts say up to 600 milligrams per day is probably safe for most and can help keep you alert. But heart patients and women who are pregnant or nursing should stay below 200 milligrams, which might mean sidestepping those brands among the caffeinated coffees we tested.
How to choose
Several of our top coffees could save you $25 to $70 per year over pricier brands even if you drank just one 6-ounce cup per day. Here's what else to think about:
Consider how you take it
Coffees judged very good taste fine black. Milk and sugar can improve a mediocre coffee, but not even cream is likely to help the lowest-scoring decafs.
Choose a good coffeemaker
The best coffeemakers from our January report reached the 195º to 205º F required to get the best from the beans and avoid a weak or bitter brew. A top Michael Graves model costs just $40.
Consider grinding for fresher flavor
Even the best pre-ground coffee can't beat the best fresh-ground when it comes to taste. One top grinder from our January report, the Mr. Coffee IDS77, costs only $20.
A Great Article About Judging a Good Cup of Coffee
10 Ways to Judge Good and Bad Coffee
Posted Fri, Dec 12, 2008, 4:34 pm PST
What kind of coffee drinker are you? Is Folgers fine or do you shudder to think of a day without your Italian roast? Can there be a universal right or wrong when it comes to determining personal taste? Aficionados who make tasting brews their business would like to think there is. Want to know how your cup of coffee measures up? Check out coffee expert Michaele Weissman's tips to see how to judge your java.
Michaele Weissman's 10 Ways to Judge a Cup of Coffee:
1. The Scent
Our sense of smell is much more sensitive than our sense of taste. Anyone who has been captivated by the smell of coffee won't be surprised to learn that coffee releases more aromatic compounds than any other food. These should be pleasing aromas, but bad coffee may include onion-y and vegetable-y elements in its scent.
2. The First Sip
Try tasting each new coffee black. Nothing is wrong with milk and sugar, but they alter the taste and texture of the coffee. So, when learning about coffee, it's a good idea to take a few pure sips. Also, let it cool slightly to make the range of flavors in the cup more accessible.
3. Sweetness and Saltiness
Look for an underlying natural sweetness. That taste comes from the ripeness of the coffee cherry. Professional tasters rank sweetness as the most important taste characteristic of high-grade coffee. Coffee should never taste salty. Saltiness is caused by processing defects.
4. Acidity
Taste for a bright, light acidity that is pleasing. This is not to be confused with the stomach-churning acidity that you get, say, from coffee that has been sitting on an office hotplate for four hours.
5. Texture
A nice texture for coffee has a little thickness. It's not thin and watery. The last taste you experience with good coffee should be smooth, and there should be a pleasing, sweet aftertaste.
6. Fruits and Vegetables
Finding words to describe the interplay of what our taste buds detect (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory) isn't easy. Many of the world's most prized coffees, such as those from Yirgacheffe in Ethiopia, abound in flavors that are described as bright, lemony, orangey, berry-like, and floral. When the fruity flavors go bad, however, they can degenerate into vegetable tastes. Not so good. Who wants sautéed onions or steamed cauliflower in their coffee cup?
7. Spices
Exotic flavors that are spicy (think cinnamon and cloves), smoky, and woodsy can be desirable. Such tastes often appear in Indonesian coffees. In excess, they can be unpleasant.
8. Natural Sugar
Chocolaty, caramel-like, nutty, and toasty flavors come from the sugar browning that occurs during roasting. Latin American coffees at their best have lots of these yummy, warm, sweet notes. In lower quality coffees from Latin America (like some of the national brands you buy at the supermarket), this sugar browning can produce the sense of swallowing a mouthful of dry, bitter grain.
9. The Roast
Roasting can be light, medium, dark, or very dark. If you detect a burnt quality in a coffee, it may be a bad roast. In the U.S. there are regional differences in roasting. Companies from the Pacific Northwest tend toward darker roasts.
10. Espresso Notes
Espresso is made from a blend of coffees brewed under great pressure, using a large amount of coffee and a small amount of water. Espresso is dense and intense and can stand up to other flavorings. High quality espresso has just as complex a flavor range as brewed coffee. If you order an espresso in a café, the layer of reddish brown foam on the top, called the crema, should be thick and creamy, and you should be able to push it away from you with the back of a spoon. If you order a cappuccino, the milk foam should be thick, creamy, and sweet.
Tip: Knowing where your coffee comes from can help you pick one that will taste great to you. Latin American coffees tend to be chocolaty and mild. Coffees from east Africa tend to have a wake-up-your-mouth kind of perkiness that coffee pros call brightness. Coffees from Indonesia tend to be earthy, dark, and more intense.
Posted Fri, Dec 12, 2008, 4:34 pm PST
What kind of coffee drinker are you? Is Folgers fine or do you shudder to think of a day without your Italian roast? Can there be a universal right or wrong when it comes to determining personal taste? Aficionados who make tasting brews their business would like to think there is. Want to know how your cup of coffee measures up? Check out coffee expert Michaele Weissman's tips to see how to judge your java.
Michaele Weissman's 10 Ways to Judge a Cup of Coffee:
1. The Scent
Our sense of smell is much more sensitive than our sense of taste. Anyone who has been captivated by the smell of coffee won't be surprised to learn that coffee releases more aromatic compounds than any other food. These should be pleasing aromas, but bad coffee may include onion-y and vegetable-y elements in its scent.
2. The First Sip
Try tasting each new coffee black. Nothing is wrong with milk and sugar, but they alter the taste and texture of the coffee. So, when learning about coffee, it's a good idea to take a few pure sips. Also, let it cool slightly to make the range of flavors in the cup more accessible.
3. Sweetness and Saltiness
Look for an underlying natural sweetness. That taste comes from the ripeness of the coffee cherry. Professional tasters rank sweetness as the most important taste characteristic of high-grade coffee. Coffee should never taste salty. Saltiness is caused by processing defects.
4. Acidity
Taste for a bright, light acidity that is pleasing. This is not to be confused with the stomach-churning acidity that you get, say, from coffee that has been sitting on an office hotplate for four hours.
5. Texture
A nice texture for coffee has a little thickness. It's not thin and watery. The last taste you experience with good coffee should be smooth, and there should be a pleasing, sweet aftertaste.
6. Fruits and Vegetables
Finding words to describe the interplay of what our taste buds detect (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory) isn't easy. Many of the world's most prized coffees, such as those from Yirgacheffe in Ethiopia, abound in flavors that are described as bright, lemony, orangey, berry-like, and floral. When the fruity flavors go bad, however, they can degenerate into vegetable tastes. Not so good. Who wants sautéed onions or steamed cauliflower in their coffee cup?
7. Spices
Exotic flavors that are spicy (think cinnamon and cloves), smoky, and woodsy can be desirable. Such tastes often appear in Indonesian coffees. In excess, they can be unpleasant.
8. Natural Sugar
Chocolaty, caramel-like, nutty, and toasty flavors come from the sugar browning that occurs during roasting. Latin American coffees at their best have lots of these yummy, warm, sweet notes. In lower quality coffees from Latin America (like some of the national brands you buy at the supermarket), this sugar browning can produce the sense of swallowing a mouthful of dry, bitter grain.
9. The Roast
Roasting can be light, medium, dark, or very dark. If you detect a burnt quality in a coffee, it may be a bad roast. In the U.S. there are regional differences in roasting. Companies from the Pacific Northwest tend toward darker roasts.
10. Espresso Notes
Espresso is made from a blend of coffees brewed under great pressure, using a large amount of coffee and a small amount of water. Espresso is dense and intense and can stand up to other flavorings. High quality espresso has just as complex a flavor range as brewed coffee. If you order an espresso in a café, the layer of reddish brown foam on the top, called the crema, should be thick and creamy, and you should be able to push it away from you with the back of a spoon. If you order a cappuccino, the milk foam should be thick, creamy, and sweet.
Tip: Knowing where your coffee comes from can help you pick one that will taste great to you. Latin American coffees tend to be chocolaty and mild. Coffees from east Africa tend to have a wake-up-your-mouth kind of perkiness that coffee pros call brightness. Coffees from Indonesia tend to be earthy, dark, and more intense.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Superbowl Pick! Go Arizona Cardinals!!!
Okay, so I finally figured out who to root for on Sunday. The Arizona Cardinals win hands down!
How did I come to this conclusion? No, Kathy. It wasn't your response, but thank you anyways.
No, I decided to find out who Dave Krieg would be cheering on, seeing that he is my all time favorite football player - EVER!!! (Along with Steve Largent.) I did a Google search on him to see any input he might have. While he didn't divulge his team of choice, I did manage to reason out by logic who he might cheer for, Arizona. Krieg played for Seattle (growing up in Oregon and liking the uniforms this became my team of choice) http://www.davekrieg.com/. He then went to Kansas City shortly after I moved there. (Did I ever happen to mention that a limerick of mine was published that I had written for him when I lived there? I don't know if he ever read it, but I will post it here for good measure):
A Seahawk fan I used to be,
Since Dave Krieg used to pass to Steve.
You're pulling my leg!
The Chiefs picked up Krieg?!
Sorry Seattle, I'm cheering the Chiefs!
Back to the post...
Well, sadly, Joe Montana overshadowed Krieg's career with the Chiefs, though he actually could do no better than Krieg did, seeing they had a weak offensive line and NOT a weak QB. It was after this that I stopped following football. Enter the times that Krieg played for Detroit, Arizona, and get this...Tennessee Oilers! I lived in Tennessee and didn't realize he was on the team... so three teams out of 6 were local teams for me (unbeknownst to me). So, now you have it...the reason for my rooting on the Cardinals this year. (The Titans didn't make the Superbowl or I certainly would have went with them.)
(Add to this that Kurt Warner is a bold professing Christian who QBs for the Cardinals and that I like a team that plays a strong offense rather than a defensive team...all great reasons to go with Arizona. And of course, two of my sisters live in Arizona - now I'm really in!)
And one last comment to add here:
Dave Krieg should be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. He was a truly amazing quarterback who happened to play on rather mediocre teams with a couple of key players (insert Steve Largent here). But the true reason I am his fan? When I watched him play each week with my dad and brother, I liked his integrity. When he made a mistake he would point to himself and make sure his receiver didn't take the heat and condemn himself. And when he did it right and the other guy messed up, it was clear. But he would be discouraged, but only for half a second; he immediately changed gears and encouraged the team toward the next play. He didn't let things spiral downward but stayed optimistic.
Just look at the game (Nov. 11, 1990) against the Chiefs where he got sacked all day long by Derrick Thomas (still the record number of sacks in a given game = 7), yet Krieg still, in spite of all that pressure, managed to escape another sack to pass the winning touchdown in the last seconds of the game! That kind of determination is worthy of recognition in my book!
I have several of his cards, his rookie card included, and some day I would like to get Krieg to autograph them. Presently, he is not autographing except for fundraisers.
How did I come to this conclusion? No, Kathy. It wasn't your response, but thank you anyways.
No, I decided to find out who Dave Krieg would be cheering on, seeing that he is my all time favorite football player - EVER!!! (Along with Steve Largent.) I did a Google search on him to see any input he might have. While he didn't divulge his team of choice, I did manage to reason out by logic who he might cheer for, Arizona. Krieg played for Seattle (growing up in Oregon and liking the uniforms this became my team of choice) http://www.davekrieg.com/. He then went to Kansas City shortly after I moved there. (Did I ever happen to mention that a limerick of mine was published that I had written for him when I lived there? I don't know if he ever read it, but I will post it here for good measure):
A Seahawk fan I used to be,
Since Dave Krieg used to pass to Steve.
You're pulling my leg!
The Chiefs picked up Krieg?!
Sorry Seattle, I'm cheering the Chiefs!
Back to the post...
Well, sadly, Joe Montana overshadowed Krieg's career with the Chiefs, though he actually could do no better than Krieg did, seeing they had a weak offensive line and NOT a weak QB. It was after this that I stopped following football. Enter the times that Krieg played for Detroit, Arizona, and get this...Tennessee Oilers! I lived in Tennessee and didn't realize he was on the team... so three teams out of 6 were local teams for me (unbeknownst to me). So, now you have it...the reason for my rooting on the Cardinals this year. (The Titans didn't make the Superbowl or I certainly would have went with them.)
(Add to this that Kurt Warner is a bold professing Christian who QBs for the Cardinals and that I like a team that plays a strong offense rather than a defensive team...all great reasons to go with Arizona. And of course, two of my sisters live in Arizona - now I'm really in!)
And one last comment to add here:
Dave Krieg should be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. He was a truly amazing quarterback who happened to play on rather mediocre teams with a couple of key players (insert Steve Largent here). But the true reason I am his fan? When I watched him play each week with my dad and brother, I liked his integrity. When he made a mistake he would point to himself and make sure his receiver didn't take the heat and condemn himself. And when he did it right and the other guy messed up, it was clear. But he would be discouraged, but only for half a second; he immediately changed gears and encouraged the team toward the next play. He didn't let things spiral downward but stayed optimistic.
Just look at the game (Nov. 11, 1990) against the Chiefs where he got sacked all day long by Derrick Thomas (still the record number of sacks in a given game = 7), yet Krieg still, in spite of all that pressure, managed to escape another sack to pass the winning touchdown in the last seconds of the game! That kind of determination is worthy of recognition in my book!
I have several of his cards, his rookie card included, and some day I would like to get Krieg to autograph them. Presently, he is not autographing except for fundraisers.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Checking In...
No, not checking into a rehab, but rather my blog. It has been quite some time. Sorry folks.
Since Christmas there have been some changes, most notably, I am working from home now. Goodbye corporate America. I can truly say that I don't miss it. The toughest part about transitioning is that when working from home, there are constant nagging tasks, both domestic and business, and the work never seems to stop. I will have to figure out a routine so that I have more personal time, or at least not feel guilty for personal time that I take. As it stands, I find that work is always calling me and I am always answering its call.
I am learning quite a bit about Walter's business (our business) and what he does so that I can work up marketing strategies and target specific companies and industries. So far I have been mostly doing note taking, but pretty soon I will be drafting some advertising letters and brochures to introduce targeted potential clients to his services. I like the learning aspects of marketing, so this will be fun the more I get into it.
David started his new job at a nationally acclaimed conference center as a server. He is really enjoying his job as he gets to take care of people. This is more exciting to him than the other job he had for the holidays at Brookstone selling merchandise. Additionally, David got accepted to become a volunteer firefighter for our community. He really enjoys that too, though mostly he has been in training or doing administrative tasks; he won't be expected to fight fires until he is properly trained - thank God! Last week he learned to attach the hose to the fire hydrant, he also did the paperwork for a house fire that occured up the street. Thankfully everyone got out of the house and there were no injuries, but it was pretty scary for a while when we saw the fire lapping blue flames alternately with orange in huge billows throughout the living room windows, all the while, not knowing if everyone was out. One can only pray in a moment like that.
Well, on another grim note (albeit, not entirely negative on account of the outcome), David was in a car accident while taking an exit too fast. He said that another car was tailing him closely, so he felt pressured to go faster. As a result, he lost control and hit the exit guard rails on either side of the ramp and totalled the car, both airbags deploying. What is miraculous, is that althought the car is sure to be a total loss, he was not hurt at all, furthermore, the other car avoided him and was able to stop and assist him. So, now we have a rental and are awaiting the report from the claims adjuster about replacing/repairing the car. Walter got a free upgrade on the rental to a red luxury Saab with leather interior and some sort of "turbo-booster" feature (can't recall exactly what Walter called it). I just thank God that given the circumstances of going 60 mph with someone tailing him, David came through unscathed, as well as the other fellow. Thank God!! Thank you Father!!!
This weekend we will be hosting a Superbowl party with the fellowship. I used to be "up" on the football scene. Sadly, I slowed my momentum watching after Dave Krieg retired from the Kansas City Chiefs, and finally stopped altogether when we moved from Nashville to Knoxville. Folks on the eastern side of the state are not into the Tennessee Titans, but rather are quite absorbed with college ball/UT; it's orange country. In fact, there are more fans for the Colts because of the Peyton Manning following, than Titan fans. Sad, truly sad...when I lived there, they treated Peyton like a demi-god. I found it quite repulsive. Needless to say, I have not embraced a team here in New York. I don't know if I can make the conversion (no pun intended with football terminology, but heh, it works). I am a west coast gal, living in the northeast. So, should I go with Philly or Arizona? I'm torn, as neither is a team for which I have any allegiances. I guess I will have to do a bit on recon work, or maybe make my decision based on respective divisions.
Since Christmas there have been some changes, most notably, I am working from home now. Goodbye corporate America. I can truly say that I don't miss it. The toughest part about transitioning is that when working from home, there are constant nagging tasks, both domestic and business, and the work never seems to stop. I will have to figure out a routine so that I have more personal time, or at least not feel guilty for personal time that I take. As it stands, I find that work is always calling me and I am always answering its call.
I am learning quite a bit about Walter's business (our business) and what he does so that I can work up marketing strategies and target specific companies and industries. So far I have been mostly doing note taking, but pretty soon I will be drafting some advertising letters and brochures to introduce targeted potential clients to his services. I like the learning aspects of marketing, so this will be fun the more I get into it.
David started his new job at a nationally acclaimed conference center as a server. He is really enjoying his job as he gets to take care of people. This is more exciting to him than the other job he had for the holidays at Brookstone selling merchandise. Additionally, David got accepted to become a volunteer firefighter for our community. He really enjoys that too, though mostly he has been in training or doing administrative tasks; he won't be expected to fight fires until he is properly trained - thank God! Last week he learned to attach the hose to the fire hydrant, he also did the paperwork for a house fire that occured up the street. Thankfully everyone got out of the house and there were no injuries, but it was pretty scary for a while when we saw the fire lapping blue flames alternately with orange in huge billows throughout the living room windows, all the while, not knowing if everyone was out. One can only pray in a moment like that.
Well, on another grim note (albeit, not entirely negative on account of the outcome), David was in a car accident while taking an exit too fast. He said that another car was tailing him closely, so he felt pressured to go faster. As a result, he lost control and hit the exit guard rails on either side of the ramp and totalled the car, both airbags deploying. What is miraculous, is that althought the car is sure to be a total loss, he was not hurt at all, furthermore, the other car avoided him and was able to stop and assist him. So, now we have a rental and are awaiting the report from the claims adjuster about replacing/repairing the car. Walter got a free upgrade on the rental to a red luxury Saab with leather interior and some sort of "turbo-booster" feature (can't recall exactly what Walter called it). I just thank God that given the circumstances of going 60 mph with someone tailing him, David came through unscathed, as well as the other fellow. Thank God!! Thank you Father!!!
This weekend we will be hosting a Superbowl party with the fellowship. I used to be "up" on the football scene. Sadly, I slowed my momentum watching after Dave Krieg retired from the Kansas City Chiefs, and finally stopped altogether when we moved from Nashville to Knoxville. Folks on the eastern side of the state are not into the Tennessee Titans, but rather are quite absorbed with college ball/UT; it's orange country. In fact, there are more fans for the Colts because of the Peyton Manning following, than Titan fans. Sad, truly sad...when I lived there, they treated Peyton like a demi-god. I found it quite repulsive. Needless to say, I have not embraced a team here in New York. I don't know if I can make the conversion (no pun intended with football terminology, but heh, it works). I am a west coast gal, living in the northeast. So, should I go with Philly or Arizona? I'm torn, as neither is a team for which I have any allegiances. I guess I will have to do a bit on recon work, or maybe make my decision based on respective divisions.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Greetings...
As they say in Hawaii...
Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
A little holiday trivia:
Did you know Santa comes to town on a surfboard in Hawaii, wearing a tank-top and swim trunks? This is Hawaiian tradition, since they have no chimneys and the weather doesn't require a fur-lined suit.
Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
A little holiday trivia:
Did you know Santa comes to town on a surfboard in Hawaii, wearing a tank-top and swim trunks? This is Hawaiian tradition, since they have no chimneys and the weather doesn't require a fur-lined suit.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
How Great Thou Art!
I love this hymn!
David and I sang this song for our church group last week Sunday. I sang melody, he accompanied on guitar and sang the harmonies. We followed up with another song, with audience participation on the chorus, Give Me Oil For My Lamp.
Well, I mention this because just moments ago, in the distance, the church bell chimes were playing How Great Thou Art. How wonderful to hear the melody and to be reminded of such edifying lyrics.
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
David and I sang this song for our church group last week Sunday. I sang melody, he accompanied on guitar and sang the harmonies. We followed up with another song, with audience participation on the chorus, Give Me Oil For My Lamp.
Well, I mention this because just moments ago, in the distance, the church bell chimes were playing How Great Thou Art. How wonderful to hear the melody and to be reminded of such edifying lyrics.
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Career Match - What's Your Personality Style?
Take the Color Match/Color Q Personality Style Self-Assessment by clicking on the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0814473644/ref=sib_dp_ptu#reader-link
This will help you determine your primary style. If you REALLY want to make the most of the test, borrow the book from the library so you can determine your secondary style, as well as whether your introverted or extroverted.
My test results (having completed the entire test with the book) are:
Primary: Green
Secondary: Red
Introvert
The book Career Match: Connecting Who You Are with What You'll Love to Do helps you determine occupations and ideal work scenarios that line up with your style. It also helps you identify strengths and challenges, leadership and teamwork styles, and interviewing tips. Great book!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0814473644/ref=sib_dp_ptu#reader-link
This will help you determine your primary style. If you REALLY want to make the most of the test, borrow the book from the library so you can determine your secondary style, as well as whether your introverted or extroverted.
My test results (having completed the entire test with the book) are:
Primary: Green
Secondary: Red
Introvert
The book Career Match: Connecting Who You Are with What You'll Love to Do helps you determine occupations and ideal work scenarios that line up with your style. It also helps you identify strengths and challenges, leadership and teamwork styles, and interviewing tips. Great book!
Hi Gang!
I know it's been quite a while. Yes, I'm still alive on this planet. Many of you may have wondered if I had taken my leave. Only a temporary haitus.
I wanted to let you all know that I am leaving the workforce of corporate America. This is something I have wanted to do for some time now, but always had a compelling reason to stay. Walter's business is picking up speed and he is at a point where he could use extra help on the administrative end, as well as the marketing strategies. David is not interested in coming aboard, and I am the next most affordable person Walter can hire at this juncture. January 2nd will be my last day with Castle.
At first I felt guilty about wanting to leave the workforce because of the earnings and health benefits I was able to supply for my family; but once the decision was made, everything else started coming together. Walter's business started expanding immediately, we were able to find benefits, and most importantly (to me at least) I started to embrace this idea as a gift of God. What time could possibly be more optimum for me to start focusing efforts on my writing while still able to contribute to our business? Why not now? Now my excitement is building!
Granted, there will be time of re-focus with the transition itself; and there will be the need for catching up on things that neglectfully fell by the wayside in having to prioritize my time. (I barely had time to even move into this house when we first got here, and certainly not time to go through things in storage, to organize and weed out "stuff".) I will need to set up workable systems with my time and physical surroundings, and then begin the actual daily work for our company. Once I get my general schedules in place, I will begin to add daily writing and marketing to a fledgling writing career.
For now though, I am wrapping up work at Castle, including putting on a holiday luncheon & company wide food drive, finalizing some new hires, completeing affirmative action plan reports (our biggest reporting endeavor each year as government contractors), holding down the fort while my boss goes on vacation, and finally, training the new guy who is to replace me as the human resources administrator. All before I leave!
Meanwhile, Walter's birthday is today, David's was two weeks ago, and the holidays are upon us. My goal each year is to get through the birthdays before I start with the holiday rush.
So, while I plan to take up my writing with greater frequency, do not hold it against me if I put it off posting to my blog just a little bit longer. Life is still busy and I am in transition!
God bless you, one and all!!!
I wanted to let you all know that I am leaving the workforce of corporate America. This is something I have wanted to do for some time now, but always had a compelling reason to stay. Walter's business is picking up speed and he is at a point where he could use extra help on the administrative end, as well as the marketing strategies. David is not interested in coming aboard, and I am the next most affordable person Walter can hire at this juncture. January 2nd will be my last day with Castle.
At first I felt guilty about wanting to leave the workforce because of the earnings and health benefits I was able to supply for my family; but once the decision was made, everything else started coming together. Walter's business started expanding immediately, we were able to find benefits, and most importantly (to me at least) I started to embrace this idea as a gift of God. What time could possibly be more optimum for me to start focusing efforts on my writing while still able to contribute to our business? Why not now? Now my excitement is building!
Granted, there will be time of re-focus with the transition itself; and there will be the need for catching up on things that neglectfully fell by the wayside in having to prioritize my time. (I barely had time to even move into this house when we first got here, and certainly not time to go through things in storage, to organize and weed out "stuff".) I will need to set up workable systems with my time and physical surroundings, and then begin the actual daily work for our company. Once I get my general schedules in place, I will begin to add daily writing and marketing to a fledgling writing career.
For now though, I am wrapping up work at Castle, including putting on a holiday luncheon & company wide food drive, finalizing some new hires, completeing affirmative action plan reports (our biggest reporting endeavor each year as government contractors), holding down the fort while my boss goes on vacation, and finally, training the new guy who is to replace me as the human resources administrator. All before I leave!
Meanwhile, Walter's birthday is today, David's was two weeks ago, and the holidays are upon us. My goal each year is to get through the birthdays before I start with the holiday rush.
So, while I plan to take up my writing with greater frequency, do not hold it against me if I put it off posting to my blog just a little bit longer. Life is still busy and I am in transition!
God bless you, one and all!!!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A Great Article - Thanks Mom, for Sending This!
Los Angeles times opinion editorial
SACRAMENTO, September 22 -- The Los Angeles Times has published an Opinion Editorial which shows arguments against same-sex marriage due to its detrimental effect on our children. What is noteworthy is the source: the author of the Op-Ed piece is a Liberal Democrat, which underscores the broad support for Proposition 8 in order to protect marriage for society, our institutions, and for children in California. Read the full text here:
Protecting Marriage to Protect Children Marriage as a human institution is constantly evolving. But in all societies, marriage shapes the rights and obligations of parenthood.
Los Angeles TimesBy David Blankenhorn September 19, 2008
I'm a liberal Democrat. And I do not favor same-sex marriage. Do those positions sound contradictory? To me, they fit together.
Many seem to believe that marriage is simply a private love relationship between two people. They accept this view, in part, because Americans have increasingly emphasized and come to value the intimate, emotional side of marriage, and in part because almost all opinion leaders today, from journalists to judges, strongly embrace this position. That's certainly the idea that underpinned the California Supreme Court's legalization of same-sex marriage.
But I spent a year studying the history and anthropology of marriage, and I've come to a different conclusion.
Marriage as a human institution is constantly evolving, and many of its features vary across groups and cultures. But there is one constant. In all societies, marriage shapes the rights and obligations of parenthood. Among us humans, the scholars report, marriage is not primarily a license to have sex. Nor is it primarily a license to receive benefits or social recognition. It is primarily a license to have children.
In this sense, marriage is a gift that society bestows on its next generation. Marriage (and only marriage) unites the three core dimensions of parenthood -- biological, social and legal -- into one pro-child form: the married couple. Marriage says to a child: The man and the woman whose sexual union made you will also be there to love and raise you. Marriage says to society as a whole: For every child born, there is a recognized mother and a father, accountable to the child and to each other.
Marriage is society's most pro-child institution. In 2002 -- just moments before it became highly unfashionable to say so -- a team of researchers from Child Trends, a nonpartisan research center, reported that "family structure clearly matters for children, and the family structure that helps children the most is a family headed by two biological parents in a low- conflict marriage."
All our scholarly instruments seem to agree: For healthy development, what a child needs more than anything else is the mother and father who together made the child, who love the child and love each other.
For these reasons, children have the right, insofar as society can make it possible, to know and to be cared for by the two parents who brought them into this world. The foundational human rights document in the world today regarding children, the 1989 U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, specifically guarantees children this right. The last time I checked, liberals like me were supposed to be in favor of internationally recognized human rights, particularly concerning children, who are typically society's most voiceless and vulnerable group. Or have I now said something I shouldn't?
Every child being raised by gay or lesbian couples will be denied his birthright to both parents who made him. Every single one. Moreover, losing that right will not be a consequence of something that at least most of us view as tragic, such as a marriage that didn't last, or an unexpected pregnancy where the father-to- be has no intention of sticking around. On the contrary, in the case of same-sex marriage and the children of those unions, it will be explained to everyone, including the children that something wonderful has happened!
For me, what we are encouraged or permitted to say, or not say, to one another about what our society owes its children is crucially important in the debate over initiatives like California's Proposition 8, which would reinstate marriage's customary man-woman form. Do you think that every child deserves his mother and father, with adoption available for those children whose natural parents cannot care for them? Do you suspect that fathers and mothers are different from one another? Do you imagine that biological ties matter to children? How many parents per child are best? Do you think that "two" is a better answer than one, three, four or whatever? If you do, be careful. In making the case for same-sex marriage, more than a few grown-ups will be quite willing to question your integrity and goodwill. Children, of course, are rarely consulted.
The liberal philosopher Isaiah Berlin famously argued that, in many cases, the real conflict we face is not good versus bad but good versus good. Reducing homophobia is good. Protecting the birthright of the child is good. How should we reason together as a society when these two good things conflict?
Here is my reasoning. I reject homophobia and believe in the equal dignity of gay and lesbian love. Because I also believe with all my heart in the right of the child to the mother and father who made her, I believe that we as a society should seek to maintain and to strengthen the only human institution -- marriage -- that is specifically intended to safeguard that right and make it real for our children.
Legalized same-sex marriage almost certainly benefits those same-sex couples who choose to marry, as well as the children being raised in those homes. But changing the meaning of marriage to accommodate homosexual orientation further and perhaps definitively undermines for all of us the very thing -- the gift, the birthright -- that is marriage's most distinctive contribution to human society. That's a change that, in the final analysis, I cannot support.
David Blankenhorn is president of the New York- based Institute for American Values and the author of "The Future of Marriage."
SACRAMENTO, September 22 -- The Los Angeles Times has published an Opinion Editorial which shows arguments against same-sex marriage due to its detrimental effect on our children. What is noteworthy is the source: the author of the Op-Ed piece is a Liberal Democrat, which underscores the broad support for Proposition 8 in order to protect marriage for society, our institutions, and for children in California. Read the full text here:
Protecting Marriage to Protect Children Marriage as a human institution is constantly evolving. But in all societies, marriage shapes the rights and obligations of parenthood.
Los Angeles TimesBy David Blankenhorn September 19, 2008
I'm a liberal Democrat. And I do not favor same-sex marriage. Do those positions sound contradictory? To me, they fit together.
Many seem to believe that marriage is simply a private love relationship between two people. They accept this view, in part, because Americans have increasingly emphasized and come to value the intimate, emotional side of marriage, and in part because almost all opinion leaders today, from journalists to judges, strongly embrace this position. That's certainly the idea that underpinned the California Supreme Court's legalization of same-sex marriage.
But I spent a year studying the history and anthropology of marriage, and I've come to a different conclusion.
Marriage as a human institution is constantly evolving, and many of its features vary across groups and cultures. But there is one constant. In all societies, marriage shapes the rights and obligations of parenthood. Among us humans, the scholars report, marriage is not primarily a license to have sex. Nor is it primarily a license to receive benefits or social recognition. It is primarily a license to have children.
In this sense, marriage is a gift that society bestows on its next generation. Marriage (and only marriage) unites the three core dimensions of parenthood -- biological, social and legal -- into one pro-child form: the married couple. Marriage says to a child: The man and the woman whose sexual union made you will also be there to love and raise you. Marriage says to society as a whole: For every child born, there is a recognized mother and a father, accountable to the child and to each other.
Marriage is society's most pro-child institution. In 2002 -- just moments before it became highly unfashionable to say so -- a team of researchers from Child Trends, a nonpartisan research center, reported that "family structure clearly matters for children, and the family structure that helps children the most is a family headed by two biological parents in a low- conflict marriage."
All our scholarly instruments seem to agree: For healthy development, what a child needs more than anything else is the mother and father who together made the child, who love the child and love each other.
For these reasons, children have the right, insofar as society can make it possible, to know and to be cared for by the two parents who brought them into this world. The foundational human rights document in the world today regarding children, the 1989 U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, specifically guarantees children this right. The last time I checked, liberals like me were supposed to be in favor of internationally recognized human rights, particularly concerning children, who are typically society's most voiceless and vulnerable group. Or have I now said something I shouldn't?
Every child being raised by gay or lesbian couples will be denied his birthright to both parents who made him. Every single one. Moreover, losing that right will not be a consequence of something that at least most of us view as tragic, such as a marriage that didn't last, or an unexpected pregnancy where the father-to- be has no intention of sticking around. On the contrary, in the case of same-sex marriage and the children of those unions, it will be explained to everyone, including the children that something wonderful has happened!
For me, what we are encouraged or permitted to say, or not say, to one another about what our society owes its children is crucially important in the debate over initiatives like California's Proposition 8, which would reinstate marriage's customary man-woman form. Do you think that every child deserves his mother and father, with adoption available for those children whose natural parents cannot care for them? Do you suspect that fathers and mothers are different from one another? Do you imagine that biological ties matter to children? How many parents per child are best? Do you think that "two" is a better answer than one, three, four or whatever? If you do, be careful. In making the case for same-sex marriage, more than a few grown-ups will be quite willing to question your integrity and goodwill. Children, of course, are rarely consulted.
The liberal philosopher Isaiah Berlin famously argued that, in many cases, the real conflict we face is not good versus bad but good versus good. Reducing homophobia is good. Protecting the birthright of the child is good. How should we reason together as a society when these two good things conflict?
Here is my reasoning. I reject homophobia and believe in the equal dignity of gay and lesbian love. Because I also believe with all my heart in the right of the child to the mother and father who made her, I believe that we as a society should seek to maintain and to strengthen the only human institution -- marriage -- that is specifically intended to safeguard that right and make it real for our children.
Legalized same-sex marriage almost certainly benefits those same-sex couples who choose to marry, as well as the children being raised in those homes. But changing the meaning of marriage to accommodate homosexual orientation further and perhaps definitively undermines for all of us the very thing -- the gift, the birthright -- that is marriage's most distinctive contribution to human society. That's a change that, in the final analysis, I cannot support.
David Blankenhorn is president of the New York- based Institute for American Values and the author of "The Future of Marriage."
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Living in the Liberty of God's Grace
I have been working the book of Galatians of late. What a tremendous epistle of great truth in order to live and abound in liberty. I read the book first in the King James Version, but it seemed rote, having read and listened to that version many, many times. I then took a look at the Amplified Version. Good. But this time, I still needed something more. Then I explored the Message Bible. WOW!!! I really like this version for the heart and impact it resonates. I felt like I was sitting down, one on one with the Apostle Paul. Granted, I am not endorsing any particular version; all have their flaws and strengths and often the KJV has a lot of resources that make it a great study version, besides the great attribute of the translators adding italized words when they added words not in the Stephens Greek Text from which it was translated.
For the brevity of time I will give a capsulized rundown of the theme and the heart of this epistle. Paul is encouraging the Galatians to embrace the liberty that is to be found in giving up your own personal ego and embracing instead, who you truly are in the gift of holy spirit, the inner man, also referred to as "Christ in you". This is where rest resides...in embracing what has already been done, and not in the works to enter in by our own futile efforts. In ourselves there is defeat; in Him we are complete.
Too often I observe people running around like crazy, striving to do things to be approved by others, or to feel acceptible to God. We are already acceptible, the work was already done in the new birth when perfection of what God did in Christ was imparted to us...not by works we did, but by His perfect work. The perfection is not in our flesh: perfecting our homes, our bodies, our hair and wardrobe, the car we drive, the job we have, our education. Notice here how the focus is upon ourselves. It's not about how perfect we are in and of ourselves. We are limited in what we can do and how perfect we can be via the body and soul categories of life. These are temporal and they perish day by day. But the inner man! The perfection of the spirit within man upon getting born again! That's incorruptible, it's perfect, it's complete. We have this perfection within simply because we believed on Christ, that he is Lord because God the Father gave him glory and dominion over all things. We believe that he died, but didn't remain in the grave, but that God raised him by His great power and that he lives today and forever more.
So, what do we do with this new found liberty? Good question, I'm glad you asked.
We serve in love. The only law we are now to be under is Christ's Law which is the law of love: Love God all out! With all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And after that (not before), love your neighbor (others...not just those down the street) as you would love yourself. That's it! That's all there is to do. If people would live this way, there would be no need for all the other laws that are set up by governments, places of employment, communities, house rule, tradition, religion, etc...
The sad thing about liberty is when people claim it but do not exercise it unto service out of love for others but rather abuse it in selfish gain for themselves. This is when the works of the flesh prevail in a persons life and they bring forth putrid fruit. But when we do things God's way, the fruit is beautiful and wholesome. This liberty at it's best. Eyes focused upon the needs of others (though not at one's total expense, for we love others AS WE LOVE OURSELVES). So the same care we would give ourselves it what we extend to others, the same courtesies, etc. If we were doing this, then we wouldn't be violating God's commandments; instead they would be axiomatic!
The thing is, we look for opportunities to do good to others, expecially among those closest to us in the community of fellow believing people. Clearly, we extend grace to all, but the priority of our time, resources and energies should go to those who have believed on Christ, as they are brethren. The first place to practice this grace, this liberty is among those closest to us, our immediate families. And remember, grace is unmerited, undeserved favor. We don't encourage, edify, comfort, exhort...in other words, extend grace...because they deserve it, more precisely, it's because they DON'T deserve it. People need love, prayers, and grace when they deserve it least. When did we deserve what God gave us?
If I have stirred up your heart even a little by this little blog passage, I encourage you to go read the church epistles of the Apostle Paul for yourselves. Go check out various versions of the Bible and see the threads of liberty that is woven throughout these letters that Paul wrote to the saints, the born again believers he counted as brethren, not kin by the flesh, but united by the spirit that dwells within. There is SO MUCH GRACE available in this day and time! This whole time period since the day of Pentocost has been with a focus of God extending goodness and grace to those who simply believe, no works required. (Makes me think of the boxed packages...there's no assembly require and batteries are included!)
Selah! (Think on, ponder these things, awhile.)
Here's a great link to Bible Gateway that has various versions...also a great scriptural study aid on many other levels. Play around with it and see what God reveals of His heart to you; only He can give you understanding of His heart and will: http://www.biblegateway.com/ (you may want to save this site to favorites for frequent reading).
God bless you and may you find rest in the liberating grace that sets you free, only truly found in God and in the knowledge of His son Jesus Christ! He led captivity captive. It's already done...enter in, rest awhile, get rejuivanted. Once you're recharged, reach out in love to help others get release from what's captivating them. This is how liberty grows in our lives, when we help others discover their liberty too. We are then working the work of Christ who, according to Luke 4:18 did this:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.
(Please pardon any grammatical errors, this was done quickly and I have not made any edits yet.)
For the brevity of time I will give a capsulized rundown of the theme and the heart of this epistle. Paul is encouraging the Galatians to embrace the liberty that is to be found in giving up your own personal ego and embracing instead, who you truly are in the gift of holy spirit, the inner man, also referred to as "Christ in you". This is where rest resides...in embracing what has already been done, and not in the works to enter in by our own futile efforts. In ourselves there is defeat; in Him we are complete.
Too often I observe people running around like crazy, striving to do things to be approved by others, or to feel acceptible to God. We are already acceptible, the work was already done in the new birth when perfection of what God did in Christ was imparted to us...not by works we did, but by His perfect work. The perfection is not in our flesh: perfecting our homes, our bodies, our hair and wardrobe, the car we drive, the job we have, our education. Notice here how the focus is upon ourselves. It's not about how perfect we are in and of ourselves. We are limited in what we can do and how perfect we can be via the body and soul categories of life. These are temporal and they perish day by day. But the inner man! The perfection of the spirit within man upon getting born again! That's incorruptible, it's perfect, it's complete. We have this perfection within simply because we believed on Christ, that he is Lord because God the Father gave him glory and dominion over all things. We believe that he died, but didn't remain in the grave, but that God raised him by His great power and that he lives today and forever more.
So, what do we do with this new found liberty? Good question, I'm glad you asked.
We serve in love. The only law we are now to be under is Christ's Law which is the law of love: Love God all out! With all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And after that (not before), love your neighbor (others...not just those down the street) as you would love yourself. That's it! That's all there is to do. If people would live this way, there would be no need for all the other laws that are set up by governments, places of employment, communities, house rule, tradition, religion, etc...
The sad thing about liberty is when people claim it but do not exercise it unto service out of love for others but rather abuse it in selfish gain for themselves. This is when the works of the flesh prevail in a persons life and they bring forth putrid fruit. But when we do things God's way, the fruit is beautiful and wholesome. This liberty at it's best. Eyes focused upon the needs of others (though not at one's total expense, for we love others AS WE LOVE OURSELVES). So the same care we would give ourselves it what we extend to others, the same courtesies, etc. If we were doing this, then we wouldn't be violating God's commandments; instead they would be axiomatic!
The thing is, we look for opportunities to do good to others, expecially among those closest to us in the community of fellow believing people. Clearly, we extend grace to all, but the priority of our time, resources and energies should go to those who have believed on Christ, as they are brethren. The first place to practice this grace, this liberty is among those closest to us, our immediate families. And remember, grace is unmerited, undeserved favor. We don't encourage, edify, comfort, exhort...in other words, extend grace...because they deserve it, more precisely, it's because they DON'T deserve it. People need love, prayers, and grace when they deserve it least. When did we deserve what God gave us?
If I have stirred up your heart even a little by this little blog passage, I encourage you to go read the church epistles of the Apostle Paul for yourselves. Go check out various versions of the Bible and see the threads of liberty that is woven throughout these letters that Paul wrote to the saints, the born again believers he counted as brethren, not kin by the flesh, but united by the spirit that dwells within. There is SO MUCH GRACE available in this day and time! This whole time period since the day of Pentocost has been with a focus of God extending goodness and grace to those who simply believe, no works required. (Makes me think of the boxed packages...there's no assembly require and batteries are included!)
Selah! (Think on, ponder these things, awhile.)
Here's a great link to Bible Gateway that has various versions...also a great scriptural study aid on many other levels. Play around with it and see what God reveals of His heart to you; only He can give you understanding of His heart and will: http://www.biblegateway.com/ (you may want to save this site to favorites for frequent reading).
God bless you and may you find rest in the liberating grace that sets you free, only truly found in God and in the knowledge of His son Jesus Christ! He led captivity captive. It's already done...enter in, rest awhile, get rejuivanted. Once you're recharged, reach out in love to help others get release from what's captivating them. This is how liberty grows in our lives, when we help others discover their liberty too. We are then working the work of Christ who, according to Luke 4:18 did this:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.
(Please pardon any grammatical errors, this was done quickly and I have not made any edits yet.)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Visual DNA Personality Test by Youniverse
My results of the Youniverse personality test (a photo selection test):
Mood: Dreamer
Fun: Escape Artist
Habits: Back to Basics
Social: Thoughtful
http://youniverse.com/personality/feedback/982599c29967c226a0269b41cb27749b (not sure if the link will work to show my results, but hey, it's worth a try.
Take the test too. It's fun and easy!
Go to Http://DNA.imagini.net/friends then post your results here...
Mood: Dreamer
Fun: Escape Artist
Habits: Back to Basics
Social: Thoughtful
http://youniverse.com/personality/feedback/982599c29967c226a0269b41cb27749b (not sure if the link will work to show my results, but hey, it's worth a try.
Take the test too. It's fun and easy!
Go to Http://DNA.imagini.net/friends then post your results here...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Few Quotes From Booker T. Washington...
This first quote was what set me on my quest to read other profound thoughts of Booker T. Washington. What a man!
I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.
I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.
No race can prosper till it learns there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.
There are two ways of exerting one's strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.
Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.
Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him.
I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.
I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.
No race can prosper till it learns there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.
There are two ways of exerting one's strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.
Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.
Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him.
Touching Base
Life has been very busy since returning from vacation between work, family and ministry. David's graduation was great. I was able to record the ceremony on video and let out a big yell for him, "David, YOU ROCK!" He later told me he didn't hear it as he was going across the stage. Oh well, my heart was into it, can't deny that!
I've been doing a lot of recruiting and interviewing at work (and have had several candidates stand me up to boot). Today we finally got two candidates to accept job offers I extended. (May I just say, this was the first time we posted a position to Craig's List and the pool of candidates was huge and impressive. Not bad for $25 per ad! A typical ad in the newspaper runs anywhere from $300+ to $1300 and doesn't pull even half as many candidates!) Now it's time for all the pre-screening to ensure they are who they say they are and then sending out the sad news for the candidates that were not selected. Granted, the best candidates that I liked are the ones that actually got hired this time, so that's a big plus.
I also did some reporting of EEO-1 data for a federal contractor bid this week, some employment verification requests, a little workman's comp injury reporting, and letters on behalf of employee requests. For the EE0-1 reporting, I simply collect the personnel data and put together the report, the rest of the bid is someone else's job to do. On top of that, we will soon be gearing up to do Vet-100 reporting. Also, the week before, we changed our Dental plan and expanded our Medical Plans, so there have been countless inquiries from employees this past week and a half.
While Human Resources Administrator work is what I presently do, it's not my passion. Writing, research, and organizing are my true callings. Lately, I have been corresponding with a distant cousin on the Adams' line and am finding that I really enjoy genealogy. Also, since returning from Cape Cod, I've been reading Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford. It's really awesome, though a concentrated and slow read that requires focus. So, I've been immersed in historical research on both sides of the family. In fact, I just submitted preliminary membership for consideration to join the New York Society of Mayflower Descendants. We have already been documented for the first six generations up to Gideon Young's birth and this is all held at the main HQ. Now, to document these last few, it should be very exciting. As I look at the family history and read the historical accounts that Bradford recorded, it's exciting to see that we may actually be related to several Mayflower descendants.
I think becoming a certified genealogist might be a great way to incorporate the research, organzing and writing skills into one. I have only started considering this, and would need to research this more. I like the idea of doing historical novels that are true accounts, or even historical fiction. But for now, that seems overwhelming to be a first undertaking. I may instead try my hand at a few articles and see if I can get something written and published on a smaller scale. I have a couple of fun, albeit practical ideas. We'll see. The hard part is finding time to sit down, research, brainstorm, ponder and actually write. All too often, after work, I just want to sit down and veg, giving my brain a rest. Or when I do research, it's my personal reading projects, or when I'm putting a teaching together for the fellowship. Granted, some of these have been really good, and I have a mind to put them down here, it's just a matter of reaching beyond good intentions, and actually typing them out.
For the next four weeks my my home will be converted to a classroom setting where we will present our foundational class. I am very excited about how much this class does to help people actually learn how to read and understand the scriptures. It's life changing for these folks who make this commitment. So while I will not have a living room for nearly a month, it's a small price to pay for what tranformations God works in the hearts of people who seek Him with this kind of focused commitment. This may put some hindrances on how much I keep up on my blog, but bear with me...you never know when I might get on this thing and type a word or two.
I've been doing a lot of recruiting and interviewing at work (and have had several candidates stand me up to boot). Today we finally got two candidates to accept job offers I extended. (May I just say, this was the first time we posted a position to Craig's List and the pool of candidates was huge and impressive. Not bad for $25 per ad! A typical ad in the newspaper runs anywhere from $300+ to $1300 and doesn't pull even half as many candidates!) Now it's time for all the pre-screening to ensure they are who they say they are and then sending out the sad news for the candidates that were not selected. Granted, the best candidates that I liked are the ones that actually got hired this time, so that's a big plus.
I also did some reporting of EEO-1 data for a federal contractor bid this week, some employment verification requests, a little workman's comp injury reporting, and letters on behalf of employee requests. For the EE0-1 reporting, I simply collect the personnel data and put together the report, the rest of the bid is someone else's job to do. On top of that, we will soon be gearing up to do Vet-100 reporting. Also, the week before, we changed our Dental plan and expanded our Medical Plans, so there have been countless inquiries from employees this past week and a half.
While Human Resources Administrator work is what I presently do, it's not my passion. Writing, research, and organizing are my true callings. Lately, I have been corresponding with a distant cousin on the Adams' line and am finding that I really enjoy genealogy. Also, since returning from Cape Cod, I've been reading Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford. It's really awesome, though a concentrated and slow read that requires focus. So, I've been immersed in historical research on both sides of the family. In fact, I just submitted preliminary membership for consideration to join the New York Society of Mayflower Descendants. We have already been documented for the first six generations up to Gideon Young's birth and this is all held at the main HQ. Now, to document these last few, it should be very exciting. As I look at the family history and read the historical accounts that Bradford recorded, it's exciting to see that we may actually be related to several Mayflower descendants.
I think becoming a certified genealogist might be a great way to incorporate the research, organzing and writing skills into one. I have only started considering this, and would need to research this more. I like the idea of doing historical novels that are true accounts, or even historical fiction. But for now, that seems overwhelming to be a first undertaking. I may instead try my hand at a few articles and see if I can get something written and published on a smaller scale. I have a couple of fun, albeit practical ideas. We'll see. The hard part is finding time to sit down, research, brainstorm, ponder and actually write. All too often, after work, I just want to sit down and veg, giving my brain a rest. Or when I do research, it's my personal reading projects, or when I'm putting a teaching together for the fellowship. Granted, some of these have been really good, and I have a mind to put them down here, it's just a matter of reaching beyond good intentions, and actually typing them out.
For the next four weeks my my home will be converted to a classroom setting where we will present our foundational class. I am very excited about how much this class does to help people actually learn how to read and understand the scriptures. It's life changing for these folks who make this commitment. So while I will not have a living room for nearly a month, it's a small price to pay for what tranformations God works in the hearts of people who seek Him with this kind of focused commitment. This may put some hindrances on how much I keep up on my blog, but bear with me...you never know when I might get on this thing and type a word or two.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Cape Cod
Vacation was spent the first week of June in Brewster, MA (at Cape Cod). This was our first trip to The Cape (as it is affectionately called in these parts). This was among one of my favorite vacations, right up there with Kauai, Hawaii.
We stayed at a home rental known as The Barn. It is a pole barn (no nails used in the construction) that was built into a home (this being the original conception). It had a lovely loft, but we primarily stayed on the main level.
At this juncture, it has been an entire week since returning, so as I recollect my time there, I will not necessarily be keeping days and events in sequence, though I will try my best to do so.
We cruised the small, rural town of Brewster with its quaint cape cod homes, many of them with victorian details. Some of these are centuries old, and several are former sea captain homes. There were windmills and grist mills as well as marshes and beaches all along the cape. Brewster is a well preserved community that has held fast to its heritage and the old charms of the era. They have no fast food joints, and the locals still gather together on the porch of the town coffee shop and talk politics, etc. Families still swim in the little streams, that become larger streams as the tides come in. It is a place where you feel like you've stepped back in time and enjoy the old, simple ways of living.
We pretty much visited every little town, or at least passed through them in the area. Each town has a different flavor, some are artsy, some touristy, some commercialized. I'm very glad we stayed in Brewster as opposed to Hyannis where we originally considered staying, which is very much a city, with heavy traffic (not my idea of a vacation).
Apparently we picked the right time to visit, just before the tourist season, but still at a point where it was warm...before school lets out... (they say that right away, when school is back in session, is another ideal time to visit, as the tourists have left). We didn't have to contend with traffic and crowded beaches.
We went to Provincetown (sadly this town has been taken over by gays and lesbians, so their peace/rainbow flags were waving all over the place), but we went first thing in the morning before the town was stirring and avoided them. We went to First Encounter and to where they docked the Mayflower at the tip of Provincetown (here is a monument and very small park dedicated to the the Pilgrims). This would have been the general area where Peregrine White would have born born, in port, aboard the Mayflower (of whom I am a direct descendant).
We visited Truro Vineyard and did a tour and wine tasting. They have won a good number of awards both nationally and internationally. I very much enjoyed their wines. Truro is where it is thought that, during the scouting of the land, the Pilgrims first found fresh water, very needful for their preservation given they were surrounded by salt water with marshes, the cape, and the ocean.
The beaches are beautiful along the cape. Lighthouses and windmills dot the landscape. Seals and gulls share the waters with the visitors, keeping a safe distance, though still unbelievably close. The sunsets were amazing on the cape waters. Along the east coast it's not often one gets to enjoy the sun setting on the waters, but rather the sunrise. I have long missed the sunsets from the west coast, and still do for that matter. This was a close runner up to that!
We spent one day in Plymouth and saw Plymouth Rock (it was under a portico undergoing construction, so not worth taking pictures). We also visited the Plymouth Hall Museum which was really informative and had great exhibits. Sadly, they would not allow photography or video cameras in the exhibit areas, so I was only able to take pictures outside.
It was funny that, while at the museum, I was trying to watch the informational movie; just outside the viewing area a couple of people kept talking so loud that I could hardly hear. I kept turning to give them "the eye", hoping they would get the hint, but to no avail. I finally turned and did a loud, "shhhh!" I later learned it was the Governor and a museum staffer. He had come for the day to do a commemorative dedication for the upcoming 400th year that will be celebrated very soon. So, I have to laugh at myself for having shhhh-ed the Governor of Massachusettes.
While at Plymouth we also boarded/toured the Mayflower II, a replica of the original ship. It is amazing how little living space these folks had; it is said they were regarded as cargo. I really enjoyed visiting Plymouth, and had I more time or could have planned better, I would have liked to have visited Marshfield and Scituate, as these were towns that were settled by my ancestors after the initial settlement of Plymouth. Edward Winslow and Susanna White (widow of William White) settled Marshfield with her two children and utimately four more they had together. I'm sure there would be plenty of historical information about them there.
Plymouth was probably the high point of my trip, as I cannot help but consider God's providence upon my life in preserving this lineage. It amazes me as I read Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647 by William Bradford, how much history is still preserved along the cape, all throughout the area (not just Plymouth).
A close runner up to the day at Plymouth was the day we took the ferry over to Martha's Vineyard. We rented a little convertible crossfire car and rode around with the top down. We visited all but one of the towns. This is a very special place for sure! We especially enjoyed talking with two locals Mike and Jackie, whose son owns a rental beach home next to Michael J. Fox. We just hung out eating local, fresh seafood that the fishermen had just brought in off the boats. There we sat on crates outside Larsen's in Menemsha overlooking the dock. Mike and his wife Jackie were so down to earth and told us about the island, the best places to visit, etc.
We had such a great time; the area has some very rural countryside/farmland with horses, huge ponds, etc. but also has some very charming towns that are artsy, historical, and even victorian communities. It was very fun cruising around all day, the wind whipping through our hair and being able to, on a whim, stroll a beach, or duck into a little restaurant/bar for clams and drinks while watching the sailboats from the patio.
When back to Brewster we enjoyed more beach time. We visited Nausette, Marconi and other beaches, and popped into a little local museum that told about the life/history of the area. We took in a double feature at the drive-in movie, as well as visiting the Brewster Grist Mill site where there is a huge pond (reported to have been fed by several other ponds/lakes) and built with locks to channel the water for powering the grist mill. It is no longer in use, but is still quite a beautiful sight, with abundant water fowl, a fish run of herring, as well a huge snapper turtle. This santuary with clean running streams and small water falls and bridges was within short walking distance from The Barn where we stayed, as was the Paine's Creek site where we observed the stunning sunsets. It was amazing to see the green grassy marshes one day, and then a few days later, have them all under water for the tide.
Cape Cod is definitely one of those places that calls you back for another visit.
On our final day we packed up the car to return home. We checked in one last time with Dave and Judy (parents of the home owner Craig) and neighboring hosts during our stay. We were treated to the most amazing personal tour of their home and garden. Dave is a landscaper by trade and his wife is a stone sculptist. The garden at their home was amazing. It ramble on as though one room to the next, but instead of walls of drywall, were walls of trees, shrubs, grasses, and varying art sculpture. Inside their actual home Judy showed me her handiwork with a relief plaster of paris wall landscape mural she had done in her foyer, a border crafted of actual shells and marine life was featured in their kitchen, and a whimsical faux painted book shelf inter-mixed with real 3-D book bindings was strategically placed around her desk in her office space. It was like a magic playland inside and out! Dave showed us their little secret hideout where they camp in a rustic bedroom shack that lets in breezes, and told us how they once camped the whole winter season without heat! They simply piled blanket upon blanket in 8 degree weather. Granted these two are retired citizens. They simply enjoy life and embrace it at every turn! What a wonderful treat that was...
We took the long way home via Newport, stopping in Misquamicut where I ate a famous lobster roll with locally brewed beer, and rested once more upon the beach at Atlantic Avenue.
We finally arrived home to a very big surprise! While on vacation for the week, Walter had arranged for some friends of ours to do a living room and kitchen make-over. David was in on it as well. What a surprise to come home to an amazingly beautiful new living room and improved kitchen. I had no idea this had been in the works, they had been planning this for weeks, even months. I was totally clueless! Talk about keeping a secret... Friends of ours had even put some flowers in the yard at the entries. So, thinking I was coming home from a surreal vacation to reality, I instead came home to more of the surreal!
It was so funny, because just the week prior to taking my vacation, upon reading a little book called As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, I decided to embrace God's providence upon my life and try and be content with the home I have, to make the most of what I have, with what I have. I started a mini home improvement project of fixing the water damage in the bathroom. I sanded, I painted, and decided I would try and love this little place the best I could and that if I would do this, God would bless me. Well, this was definitely a quick response on God's part to bless me back on account of endeavoring to embrace contentment more.
You can never out do God!
Thank you to my friends and family who allowed God to work such a sweet work in your hearts to bless little ole me! I am moved beyond words!
We stayed at a home rental known as The Barn. It is a pole barn (no nails used in the construction) that was built into a home (this being the original conception). It had a lovely loft, but we primarily stayed on the main level.
At this juncture, it has been an entire week since returning, so as I recollect my time there, I will not necessarily be keeping days and events in sequence, though I will try my best to do so.
We cruised the small, rural town of Brewster with its quaint cape cod homes, many of them with victorian details. Some of these are centuries old, and several are former sea captain homes. There were windmills and grist mills as well as marshes and beaches all along the cape. Brewster is a well preserved community that has held fast to its heritage and the old charms of the era. They have no fast food joints, and the locals still gather together on the porch of the town coffee shop and talk politics, etc. Families still swim in the little streams, that become larger streams as the tides come in. It is a place where you feel like you've stepped back in time and enjoy the old, simple ways of living.
We pretty much visited every little town, or at least passed through them in the area. Each town has a different flavor, some are artsy, some touristy, some commercialized. I'm very glad we stayed in Brewster as opposed to Hyannis where we originally considered staying, which is very much a city, with heavy traffic (not my idea of a vacation).
Apparently we picked the right time to visit, just before the tourist season, but still at a point where it was warm...before school lets out... (they say that right away, when school is back in session, is another ideal time to visit, as the tourists have left). We didn't have to contend with traffic and crowded beaches.
We went to Provincetown (sadly this town has been taken over by gays and lesbians, so their peace/rainbow flags were waving all over the place), but we went first thing in the morning before the town was stirring and avoided them. We went to First Encounter and to where they docked the Mayflower at the tip of Provincetown (here is a monument and very small park dedicated to the the Pilgrims). This would have been the general area where Peregrine White would have born born, in port, aboard the Mayflower (of whom I am a direct descendant).
We visited Truro Vineyard and did a tour and wine tasting. They have won a good number of awards both nationally and internationally. I very much enjoyed their wines. Truro is where it is thought that, during the scouting of the land, the Pilgrims first found fresh water, very needful for their preservation given they were surrounded by salt water with marshes, the cape, and the ocean.
The beaches are beautiful along the cape. Lighthouses and windmills dot the landscape. Seals and gulls share the waters with the visitors, keeping a safe distance, though still unbelievably close. The sunsets were amazing on the cape waters. Along the east coast it's not often one gets to enjoy the sun setting on the waters, but rather the sunrise. I have long missed the sunsets from the west coast, and still do for that matter. This was a close runner up to that!
We spent one day in Plymouth and saw Plymouth Rock (it was under a portico undergoing construction, so not worth taking pictures). We also visited the Plymouth Hall Museum which was really informative and had great exhibits. Sadly, they would not allow photography or video cameras in the exhibit areas, so I was only able to take pictures outside.
It was funny that, while at the museum, I was trying to watch the informational movie; just outside the viewing area a couple of people kept talking so loud that I could hardly hear. I kept turning to give them "the eye", hoping they would get the hint, but to no avail. I finally turned and did a loud, "shhhh!" I later learned it was the Governor and a museum staffer. He had come for the day to do a commemorative dedication for the upcoming 400th year that will be celebrated very soon. So, I have to laugh at myself for having shhhh-ed the Governor of Massachusettes.
While at Plymouth we also boarded/toured the Mayflower II, a replica of the original ship. It is amazing how little living space these folks had; it is said they were regarded as cargo. I really enjoyed visiting Plymouth, and had I more time or could have planned better, I would have liked to have visited Marshfield and Scituate, as these were towns that were settled by my ancestors after the initial settlement of Plymouth. Edward Winslow and Susanna White (widow of William White) settled Marshfield with her two children and utimately four more they had together. I'm sure there would be plenty of historical information about them there.
Plymouth was probably the high point of my trip, as I cannot help but consider God's providence upon my life in preserving this lineage. It amazes me as I read Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647 by William Bradford, how much history is still preserved along the cape, all throughout the area (not just Plymouth).
A close runner up to the day at Plymouth was the day we took the ferry over to Martha's Vineyard. We rented a little convertible crossfire car and rode around with the top down. We visited all but one of the towns. This is a very special place for sure! We especially enjoyed talking with two locals Mike and Jackie, whose son owns a rental beach home next to Michael J. Fox. We just hung out eating local, fresh seafood that the fishermen had just brought in off the boats. There we sat on crates outside Larsen's in Menemsha overlooking the dock. Mike and his wife Jackie were so down to earth and told us about the island, the best places to visit, etc.
We had such a great time; the area has some very rural countryside/farmland with horses, huge ponds, etc. but also has some very charming towns that are artsy, historical, and even victorian communities. It was very fun cruising around all day, the wind whipping through our hair and being able to, on a whim, stroll a beach, or duck into a little restaurant/bar for clams and drinks while watching the sailboats from the patio.
When back to Brewster we enjoyed more beach time. We visited Nausette, Marconi and other beaches, and popped into a little local museum that told about the life/history of the area. We took in a double feature at the drive-in movie, as well as visiting the Brewster Grist Mill site where there is a huge pond (reported to have been fed by several other ponds/lakes) and built with locks to channel the water for powering the grist mill. It is no longer in use, but is still quite a beautiful sight, with abundant water fowl, a fish run of herring, as well a huge snapper turtle. This santuary with clean running streams and small water falls and bridges was within short walking distance from The Barn where we stayed, as was the Paine's Creek site where we observed the stunning sunsets. It was amazing to see the green grassy marshes one day, and then a few days later, have them all under water for the tide.
Cape Cod is definitely one of those places that calls you back for another visit.
On our final day we packed up the car to return home. We checked in one last time with Dave and Judy (parents of the home owner Craig) and neighboring hosts during our stay. We were treated to the most amazing personal tour of their home and garden. Dave is a landscaper by trade and his wife is a stone sculptist. The garden at their home was amazing. It ramble on as though one room to the next, but instead of walls of drywall, were walls of trees, shrubs, grasses, and varying art sculpture. Inside their actual home Judy showed me her handiwork with a relief plaster of paris wall landscape mural she had done in her foyer, a border crafted of actual shells and marine life was featured in their kitchen, and a whimsical faux painted book shelf inter-mixed with real 3-D book bindings was strategically placed around her desk in her office space. It was like a magic playland inside and out! Dave showed us their little secret hideout where they camp in a rustic bedroom shack that lets in breezes, and told us how they once camped the whole winter season without heat! They simply piled blanket upon blanket in 8 degree weather. Granted these two are retired citizens. They simply enjoy life and embrace it at every turn! What a wonderful treat that was...
We took the long way home via Newport, stopping in Misquamicut where I ate a famous lobster roll with locally brewed beer, and rested once more upon the beach at Atlantic Avenue.
We finally arrived home to a very big surprise! While on vacation for the week, Walter had arranged for some friends of ours to do a living room and kitchen make-over. David was in on it as well. What a surprise to come home to an amazingly beautiful new living room and improved kitchen. I had no idea this had been in the works, they had been planning this for weeks, even months. I was totally clueless! Talk about keeping a secret... Friends of ours had even put some flowers in the yard at the entries. So, thinking I was coming home from a surreal vacation to reality, I instead came home to more of the surreal!
It was so funny, because just the week prior to taking my vacation, upon reading a little book called As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, I decided to embrace God's providence upon my life and try and be content with the home I have, to make the most of what I have, with what I have. I started a mini home improvement project of fixing the water damage in the bathroom. I sanded, I painted, and decided I would try and love this little place the best I could and that if I would do this, God would bless me. Well, this was definitely a quick response on God's part to bless me back on account of endeavoring to embrace contentment more.
You can never out do God!
Thank you to my friends and family who allowed God to work such a sweet work in your hearts to bless little ole me! I am moved beyond words!
My beloved son, David...Congratulations!
David is graduating high school this upcoming Friday! I am so very proud of him and this accomplishment. Neither Walter nor myself finished, but rather went on to get our GEDs, Walter doing so ahead of his class, my doing so after David was 2 or 3 years old.
I am so excited that Mom may be coming out for the event. We're still trying to coordinate details of her dialysis, but it actually looks do-able! I wish Dad could come out too, but he insists it's too much of an expense to put on us. I cannot help but wonder if it has to do with simply getting older and not wanting to fly such a distance though. Walter's mom doesn't like travelling far like she used to, and recouperating from travel is not as easy when you're older as when you're a young thing. So Dad, if you are reading this, I understand. I hope that is what is truly the hindrance here and not some imposition on us with money. Money is meant to be used in meaningful ways, and David's graduation with grandparents in attendance is very meaningful.
To brag briefly (doting over my loving son), David will be graduating while having taken a vigorous course load this past year. I appreciate this most about him; he endeavors to challenge himself rather than to coast with easy, no brainer classes. He took three AP classes (college level courses) in addition to Spanish III. Granted, he's not the most organized person in the world, so he didn't always turn in assignments on account of not being able to find them, or forgetting to bring homework assignments home in order to complete them. Give that boy a wife that can help keep order and he will be able to do just about anything (just so long as it doesn't bore him).
Boredom is the very reason he took challenging courses as opposed to the easy ones he could have opted for to ensure a high GPA, but he wouldn't do it. He felt that would be a waste of his time to spend day after day in an environment where he is not learning anything. For that I commend him most highly! He has great integrity of heart in matters such as these. He wants to be able to look himself in the eye and know he's growing...improving...being challenged...
I couldn't ask for more in a son who loves God, honors his parents, and takes inventory of his own heart and life to want do what is right and honorable.
I love you David.
I am so excited that Mom may be coming out for the event. We're still trying to coordinate details of her dialysis, but it actually looks do-able! I wish Dad could come out too, but he insists it's too much of an expense to put on us. I cannot help but wonder if it has to do with simply getting older and not wanting to fly such a distance though. Walter's mom doesn't like travelling far like she used to, and recouperating from travel is not as easy when you're older as when you're a young thing. So Dad, if you are reading this, I understand. I hope that is what is truly the hindrance here and not some imposition on us with money. Money is meant to be used in meaningful ways, and David's graduation with grandparents in attendance is very meaningful.
To brag briefly (doting over my loving son), David will be graduating while having taken a vigorous course load this past year. I appreciate this most about him; he endeavors to challenge himself rather than to coast with easy, no brainer classes. He took three AP classes (college level courses) in addition to Spanish III. Granted, he's not the most organized person in the world, so he didn't always turn in assignments on account of not being able to find them, or forgetting to bring homework assignments home in order to complete them. Give that boy a wife that can help keep order and he will be able to do just about anything (just so long as it doesn't bore him).
Boredom is the very reason he took challenging courses as opposed to the easy ones he could have opted for to ensure a high GPA, but he wouldn't do it. He felt that would be a waste of his time to spend day after day in an environment where he is not learning anything. For that I commend him most highly! He has great integrity of heart in matters such as these. He wants to be able to look himself in the eye and know he's growing...improving...being challenged...
I couldn't ask for more in a son who loves God, honors his parents, and takes inventory of his own heart and life to want do what is right and honorable.
I love you David.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Blog Quiz: How Stressed Are You?
I thought this would be an appropriate quiz to take in light of my recent rantings about the serious need for a vacation. I guess I really do need to have a Calgon moment!
Take the quiz and see what your stress level is...
http://www.blogthings.com/howstressedareyouquiz/outcome.php
My results:
Your Stress Level is: 65%
You are prone to stress, and you're probably even pretty stressed right now. Life's problems seem to pile up on you, and this often makes you feel depressed and burned out. Learn to take time to relax and enjoy life, even if things are stressful. It's the only way you'll get through the bad times.
Take the quiz and see what your stress level is...
http://www.blogthings.com/howstressedareyouquiz/outcome.php
My results:
Your Stress Level is: 65%
You are prone to stress, and you're probably even pretty stressed right now. Life's problems seem to pile up on you, and this often makes you feel depressed and burned out. Learn to take time to relax and enjoy life, even if things are stressful. It's the only way you'll get through the bad times.
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