I feel fortunate to be in such a solid relationship and look forward to many years to come. No, we're not the Cleavers, but we're probably closer than most.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wedded Bliss
Brandon and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary this weekend. I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful husband and life partner. He keeps me grounded when I act crazy, makes me laugh when I am sad and loves me no matter what.
I feel fortunate to be in such a solid relationship and look forward to many years to come. No, we're not the Cleavers, but we're probably closer than most.
I feel fortunate to be in such a solid relationship and look forward to many years to come. No, we're not the Cleavers, but we're probably closer than most.
The Human Condition
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.
• 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.
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.
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