Last Friday, I had one those moments that makes everything seem to slow down in your mind. I had three virtually simultaneous thoughts pop into my head:
• Geez, it’s so easy for us to take for granted just how fortunate I am.
• I should have been in the Peace Corps. Perhaps I could be doing something right now to lessen someone else’s suffering.
• How could anyone not want to adopt after seeing these suffering children?
The human condition can be staggering, especially when you are looking at photos like those in this MSBC slide show — http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27435600/displaymode/1107/s/2/ - which I was.
When I see images like these – both abroad and in our own country – I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the injustice of the world. It makes all the stupid little things people (myself included) worry about seem so unimportant and silly. It also makes me incredibly thankful to be born into the country and family I am in. It always amazes me how shortsighted and arrogant some people are about their lives. Don’t they realize fate (or faith) could have dealt them a much more sour life.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Halloween, Neighbors, Animals and Other Updates
I'm late to post about it, but we had a great weekend at home again. Friday night was trick-or-treat. Brandon wasn't so hot on dressing up for Halloween, but I decide to overrule him and stopped on the way home to get impromptu costumes.
I was a pirate and Brandon was a pimp/rockstar type. It turned out GREAT--especially considering we had no official costumes, just accessories. (Pictures to come later.)
On Saturday night we had our first--to be annual, I believe--block party. It was far more fun than I expected and we got to meet lots of people. We ate food and drink spiked spiced cider (mulled by Brandon) while enjoying the excellent fall weather. After we were socialized out, we retreated to the backyard and burned a fire in our firepit.
Sunday we went to East Fork Lake to hike and enjoy the fall leaves. We really wanted to go to the Barack Obama rally at UC, but it was just too much time to give up. People were in line by 1:30 p.m., and I have shelter duty of Sunday nights.
Speaking of shelter animals, I'm so excited to hear that the Obamas are going to get a dog for their little girls. I'm even more excited to hear that hear they plan to get a rescue dog. Whoo hoo! There are a lot of irresponsible breeders out there are far too many furry friends in shelters who would love a good, permenant home.
Volunteering at Save the Animals Foundation is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I'm selling raffle tickets for the HOLIDAY BIG BUCKS RAFFLE right now, if anyone is interested. Tickets are $5/each and they give away $8,000 total.
Here are some of my favorite cats:
CLARK--he was abandoned
WILL FERAL--he came to us with a broken hip
BUBBA--he came to us with severe chest trauma after some idiot shot him with a BB gun
I was a pirate and Brandon was a pimp/rockstar type. It turned out GREAT--especially considering we had no official costumes, just accessories. (Pictures to come later.)
On Saturday night we had our first--to be annual, I believe--block party. It was far more fun than I expected and we got to meet lots of people. We ate food and drink spiked spiced cider (mulled by Brandon) while enjoying the excellent fall weather. After we were socialized out, we retreated to the backyard and burned a fire in our firepit.
Sunday we went to East Fork Lake to hike and enjoy the fall leaves. We really wanted to go to the Barack Obama rally at UC, but it was just too much time to give up. People were in line by 1:30 p.m., and I have shelter duty of Sunday nights.
Speaking of shelter animals, I'm so excited to hear that the Obamas are going to get a dog for their little girls. I'm even more excited to hear that hear they plan to get a rescue dog. Whoo hoo! There are a lot of irresponsible breeders out there are far too many furry friends in shelters who would love a good, permenant home.
Volunteering at Save the Animals Foundation is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I'm selling raffle tickets for the HOLIDAY BIG BUCKS RAFFLE right now, if anyone is interested. Tickets are $5/each and they give away $8,000 total.
Here are some of my favorite cats:
CLARK--he was abandoned
WILL FERAL--he came to us with a broken hip
BUBBA--he came to us with severe chest trauma after some idiot shot him with a BB gun
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
For your amusement, I'm posting a photo from last year's Halloween night. I dressed up as a vampire to scare the kids. it worked well. They were distracted by me and the make up, then Brandon showed his fangs as they got close!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Barack Obama
I feel hopeful for the future of America tonight after watching Barack Obama's special message to America tonight.
I believe Barack Obama is an exceptional man who can unify in lead our country to a better future. If missed the address tonight, I encourage you to watch it.
I believe Barack Obama is an exceptional man who can unify in lead our country to a better future. If missed the address tonight, I encourage you to watch it.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Facebook, Weaknesses and Weekends at Home
I've had lots of things pop into my mind lately, but haven't taken the time to blog about them...so, this is going to be a bit unfocused. Betty King would not approve.
I'll start with the latest: Facebook. It's a curse. It's addictive. I'm a very social person, so I am naturally curious about where old old friends from high school and college ended up. At the same time, it is easy to become completely obsessed with finding and contacting people. I especially enjoy looking at pictures. It's a slippery slope, though, because like most things in my life I instantly start comparing myself to the people I used to hang out with. It's like living vicariously through a TV show...but through really people. It's crazy!
I'm also glad Election Day is almost here. I believe Barack Obama will be our next president, and that makes me feel good about the future. The pessimist in me is worried though. So...ROCK THE VOTE ya'll! Unless you're going to vote for McCain. :)
I've also been thinking about my biggest weakness. I seem to never be satisfied with anything. Why is that? It's a bit neurotic and it seems to cross into every aspect of my life. It makes me too competitive for my own good sometimes and far too critical of other people as well as myself. At least I am much more aware of it than in the past!
Last Wednesday, we went to a OU alumni wine tasting at a local winery called Tino Vino with our friend DuWayne. It was a lot of fun and good to catch up with DuWayne. I also got to meet one of his co-workers (and a fellow OU alum) who was really nice.
Brandon and I have spent the last two weekends in Cincinnati. It has given us a nice break from all the hussle bussle. This weekend we went to the Jim Beam Bourbon tasting with our friends Paula and Kirk on Friday. (Kirk works for Jim Beam and this is a fundraiser they do for Sky Ranch and Kid's Cafe.) I sat next to this girl named Kelly and her husband, Don. For some reason, Kelly and I totally hit it off. On
Saturday, we slept in and then went hiking at East Fork Lake State Park with Ginger. That night, we headed to Paula and Kirk's house to watch the OSU game. We really enjoy hanging out with Paula and Kirk, so it was a good time!
Sunday I took Ginger to Waynesville to visit dad and his dog. It's been a long time since I've been up to see him, so it was nice to visit. I made him a pot of chili (his favorite) and we let the dogs run around the dog park. It's a great way to spend a fall afternoon. That night, it was off the shelter as usual then back to the grind Sunday morning...
The weekend before last Brandon and I had a great time just hanging out at home and relaxing. We burned all the wood that fell out of our tree and made smores in the chiminea and had an impromptu Saturday night dance party. It was awesome. Brandon has a way of always deflating my stress, making me laugh and keeping me grounded. What can I say? He's the ying to my yang.
I'll start with the latest: Facebook. It's a curse. It's addictive. I'm a very social person, so I am naturally curious about where old old friends from high school and college ended up. At the same time, it is easy to become completely obsessed with finding and contacting people. I especially enjoy looking at pictures. It's a slippery slope, though, because like most things in my life I instantly start comparing myself to the people I used to hang out with. It's like living vicariously through a TV show...but through really people. It's crazy!
I'm also glad Election Day is almost here. I believe Barack Obama will be our next president, and that makes me feel good about the future. The pessimist in me is worried though. So...ROCK THE VOTE ya'll! Unless you're going to vote for McCain. :)
I've also been thinking about my biggest weakness. I seem to never be satisfied with anything. Why is that? It's a bit neurotic and it seems to cross into every aspect of my life. It makes me too competitive for my own good sometimes and far too critical of other people as well as myself. At least I am much more aware of it than in the past!
Last Wednesday, we went to a OU alumni wine tasting at a local winery called Tino Vino with our friend DuWayne. It was a lot of fun and good to catch up with DuWayne. I also got to meet one of his co-workers (and a fellow OU alum) who was really nice.
Brandon and I have spent the last two weekends in Cincinnati. It has given us a nice break from all the hussle bussle. This weekend we went to the Jim Beam Bourbon tasting with our friends Paula and Kirk on Friday. (Kirk works for Jim Beam and this is a fundraiser they do for Sky Ranch and Kid's Cafe.) I sat next to this girl named Kelly and her husband, Don. For some reason, Kelly and I totally hit it off. On
Saturday, we slept in and then went hiking at East Fork Lake State Park with Ginger. That night, we headed to Paula and Kirk's house to watch the OSU game. We really enjoy hanging out with Paula and Kirk, so it was a good time!
Sunday I took Ginger to Waynesville to visit dad and his dog. It's been a long time since I've been up to see him, so it was nice to visit. I made him a pot of chili (his favorite) and we let the dogs run around the dog park. It's a great way to spend a fall afternoon. That night, it was off the shelter as usual then back to the grind Sunday morning...
The weekend before last Brandon and I had a great time just hanging out at home and relaxing. We burned all the wood that fell out of our tree and made smores in the chiminea and had an impromptu Saturday night dance party. It was awesome. Brandon has a way of always deflating my stress, making me laugh and keeping me grounded. What can I say? He's the ying to my yang.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Fall and Key West
It's official: winter is on it's way. Yesterday was the first day I would truly call "cold" in Cincinati. It alwasy amazes me just how cold that first cold day feels. In the fall, everyone breaks out the wool coats on 60 degree days. In the spring, Ohioans are practically ready to jump in the pool. Ah, bye bye summer. Now we can look forward to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas!
I spent the first week of October in Key West with Jane. (I had my entire blog entry--minus a few pictures-written earlier this week and I accidently erased it. I'll try to recreate.)
It's always good to catch up with Jane in person; it's just never the same on the phone. I'll never forget the first time we spoke. We hit it off right away, talking a mile a minute on the phone without ever having met each other in person. I came out of my bedroom and my parents were trying not to laugh. I said, "what?" They said: "Gee, did you hit it off?" Yes, we did. She's the closest friend I've ever had, and I'm very thankful for our friendship. I wish she lived closer!
Anyway...
Brandon and I fell in love with Key West during a spring break trip in college. We made the 24-hour drive with two friends from the band. It was the first real beach vacation I'd ever had and I was hooked. We returned for a day during our honeymoon and again a year later with Ben and Carrie Feldmeyer.
This, however, was Jane's first trip. As far as I could tell, she loved it, too--except for the walk to Ft. Zachary Taylor beach. (I should have told her to bring a backpack vs. a beach bag.)
We did all the things you must do in Key West except eat at Blue Heaven, a well-known and wonderful restaurant. It was closed for the off season. We did try another historic place--Pepe's Cafe--and it was fabulous. It looked pretty dingy from the outside, but they had a great outdoor patio and wonderful, homemade food. Here's a picture:
THINGS YOU MUST DO IN KEY WEST:
1. Enjoy the local attractions, including the Custom House Museum, Key West Aquarium and the newly opened Butterfly Conservatory. The Custom House in particular is incredible--it is a beautiful historic, renovated building. It has a permenant exhibit of Cuban art my Mario Sanchez, which I always enjoy, and a rotating display. This time it was "Icons Revisited," an exhibit of American icons created in 3D. To promote the exhibit they had a massive statue of American Gothic outside. It was crazy! The first time we noticed it was at night when it was underlit...pretty creepy.
Here are a few pictures from the museum and the butterfly show:
2) Visit Mallory Square to see the street performers. This is also a great place to meet some of the local cat population. I told Jane I needed to move to Key West and start a trap-and-release program to slow the pet population. They all look so skinny! I fed a cats my leftover cuban food, including the cute guy below.
3) Walk all over Old Town enjoying the quaint houses, beautiful flowers and touristy things, like the Southernmost Point:
4)You must also watch the sunset from many places. That meant a sunset sail, the beach and the top of our hotel.
5) You must also spend lots of time at the beach, preferably in a noodle chair.
My laptop battery is about to die, so I'll have to post those photos later.
I spent the first week of October in Key West with Jane. (I had my entire blog entry--minus a few pictures-written earlier this week and I accidently erased it. I'll try to recreate.)
It's always good to catch up with Jane in person; it's just never the same on the phone. I'll never forget the first time we spoke. We hit it off right away, talking a mile a minute on the phone without ever having met each other in person. I came out of my bedroom and my parents were trying not to laugh. I said, "what?" They said: "Gee, did you hit it off?" Yes, we did. She's the closest friend I've ever had, and I'm very thankful for our friendship. I wish she lived closer!
Anyway...
Brandon and I fell in love with Key West during a spring break trip in college. We made the 24-hour drive with two friends from the band. It was the first real beach vacation I'd ever had and I was hooked. We returned for a day during our honeymoon and again a year later with Ben and Carrie Feldmeyer.
This, however, was Jane's first trip. As far as I could tell, she loved it, too--except for the walk to Ft. Zachary Taylor beach. (I should have told her to bring a backpack vs. a beach bag.)
We did all the things you must do in Key West except eat at Blue Heaven, a well-known and wonderful restaurant. It was closed for the off season. We did try another historic place--Pepe's Cafe--and it was fabulous. It looked pretty dingy from the outside, but they had a great outdoor patio and wonderful, homemade food. Here's a picture:
THINGS YOU MUST DO IN KEY WEST:
1. Enjoy the local attractions, including the Custom House Museum, Key West Aquarium and the newly opened Butterfly Conservatory. The Custom House in particular is incredible--it is a beautiful historic, renovated building. It has a permenant exhibit of Cuban art my Mario Sanchez, which I always enjoy, and a rotating display. This time it was "Icons Revisited," an exhibit of American icons created in 3D. To promote the exhibit they had a massive statue of American Gothic outside. It was crazy! The first time we noticed it was at night when it was underlit...pretty creepy.
Here are a few pictures from the museum and the butterfly show:
2) Visit Mallory Square to see the street performers. This is also a great place to meet some of the local cat population. I told Jane I needed to move to Key West and start a trap-and-release program to slow the pet population. They all look so skinny! I fed a cats my leftover cuban food, including the cute guy below.
3) Walk all over Old Town enjoying the quaint houses, beautiful flowers and touristy things, like the Southernmost Point:
4)You must also watch the sunset from many places. That meant a sunset sail, the beach and the top of our hotel.
5) You must also spend lots of time at the beach, preferably in a noodle chair.
My laptop battery is about to die, so I'll have to post those photos later.
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