I know. Everyone is doing New Year’s posts. It’s cliché, but so is Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and I still watch that too. I think it’s good to stop and reflect at least once a year.
Recently I did an exercise that required me to remember a noteworthy event for every year of my life. I’m still pretty young, and I have to admit that there were several years that just blended together. I don’t really know what happened when I was 23. I’m sure I’d remember if it was anything big. Still, I don’t think I’m that boring. A few noteworthy things probably happened. At the time I was likely too busy living life to stop and write a couple things down, and I probably thought I would remember. Silly girl.
So, in the spirit of reflection and at the risk of overinflating my importance, I give you my top ten events/accomplishments for 2009:
1) Got pregnant. (Probably won’t forget this one.)
2) Quit my job during the worst recession since The Great Depression because it was killing my soul.
3) Grew a vegetable garden and started composting (with John’s help).
4) Started writing a blog after finally finding a suitable title.
5) Joined Twitter and became truly addicted to social networking. (See: possible New Year’s resolutions)
6) Began trying to eat mostly organic and local food.
7) Took my first two week vacation since childhood. Visited Maui and it was glorious.
8) Bought a food processor and started cooking in earnest.
a. Made my own pie crust from scratch during the hottest summer on record.
b. Made pickles.
9) Visited New York City for the first time.
a. Successfully hailed my own cab and boarded a train at Penn Station.
10) Joined a yoga studio and started going regularly (until pregnancy nausea set in.)
Now, on to 2010! May you have a prosperous and peaceful New Year!
12.31.2009
12.22.2009
The Gifts of the Magi Were Not Purchased at the Mall
I didn’t really want to write this post because, frankly, I think some people won’t like it, and I like when people like me and the things I have to say. I also don’t especially want to stir the pot on a divisive issue. However, I just keep hearing and thinking about this debate, so I felt like I should probably just go for it. Here goes…
I am really tired of the debate about saying “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays.” To me, it’s tedious, argumentative and misses the proverbial forest for the Christmas tree. “Merry Christmas” are not magic words. They don’t appear in the Bible. They mean enjoy celebrating the Mass, or church celebration, of Christ’s birth. In theory we should be saying Happy Advent until December 25th (which is an arbitrary date), but that’s another post.
It is true that Christmas in its purest and original form is a religious holiday, but we also celebrate a host of traditions that have nothing to do with Christ or the Nativity story. I’m pretty sure that Santa was not at the birth of Jesus, there probably wasn’t a Christmas tree and the shepherds weren’t wearing ugly sweaters and gobbling gingerbread men. My point is, there are both secular and spiritual traditions associated with Christmas in this country and around the world.
I see it as the job of the Church and followers of Christ to uphold the important spiritual traditions and their meanings inherent in the story of the birth of Christ. I don’t understand getting angry at retailers for their secular portrayal of Christmas. These are businesses. They want to make money. They are going to do whatever they think will do that, so they cast as wide a net as possible. Why are we looking to Wal-Mart to set the theological pace for our lives? This is ludicrous. Personally, I think the co-opting and commercialization of Christmas for profit is far more offensive than someone saying “Happy Holidays.” I’m fine with the fact that most of the current retail ads leave Christ out of their messages because sweaters and video games on sale have nothing to do with the spiritual meaning of Christmas.
For those that celebrate the spiritual traditions and meanings of Christmas (a group in which I am included), I would like to suggest an alternate approach. Instead of getting angry at them for ruining Christmas, let’s find positive and productive ways to uphold and share the meaning of Christmas with as many as we can. Let’s look at our own actions first and see what we can do to spread hope, grace, peace and goodwill toward all.
"Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem." ~ Linus Van Pelt, A Charlie Brown Christmas
I am really tired of the debate about saying “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays.” To me, it’s tedious, argumentative and misses the proverbial forest for the Christmas tree. “Merry Christmas” are not magic words. They don’t appear in the Bible. They mean enjoy celebrating the Mass, or church celebration, of Christ’s birth. In theory we should be saying Happy Advent until December 25th (which is an arbitrary date), but that’s another post.
It is true that Christmas in its purest and original form is a religious holiday, but we also celebrate a host of traditions that have nothing to do with Christ or the Nativity story. I’m pretty sure that Santa was not at the birth of Jesus, there probably wasn’t a Christmas tree and the shepherds weren’t wearing ugly sweaters and gobbling gingerbread men. My point is, there are both secular and spiritual traditions associated with Christmas in this country and around the world.
I see it as the job of the Church and followers of Christ to uphold the important spiritual traditions and their meanings inherent in the story of the birth of Christ. I don’t understand getting angry at retailers for their secular portrayal of Christmas. These are businesses. They want to make money. They are going to do whatever they think will do that, so they cast as wide a net as possible. Why are we looking to Wal-Mart to set the theological pace for our lives? This is ludicrous. Personally, I think the co-opting and commercialization of Christmas for profit is far more offensive than someone saying “Happy Holidays.” I’m fine with the fact that most of the current retail ads leave Christ out of their messages because sweaters and video games on sale have nothing to do with the spiritual meaning of Christmas.
For those that celebrate the spiritual traditions and meanings of Christmas (a group in which I am included), I would like to suggest an alternate approach. Instead of getting angry at them for ruining Christmas, let’s find positive and productive ways to uphold and share the meaning of Christmas with as many as we can. Let’s look at our own actions first and see what we can do to spread hope, grace, peace and goodwill toward all.
"Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem." ~ Linus Van Pelt, A Charlie Brown Christmas
12.04.2009
Santa, Baby
...and, we're back. Sorry for the radio silence. It's part of my new 10 Steps to a Successful Blog theory. Step 1 - Start a new new blog, post two times and then go silent for a month. I'll be releasing the whole article soon.
Anyway, as you probably have realized unless you are in an isolation chamber, Christmas is coming. In preparation I have been thinking a little about my wish list. I don't actually really like to make a list, but we draw names in my family. If you don't supply options you will end up with an ill-fitting sweater. This year, I find I'm having the same trouble as the last few. I can't come up with anything good. I don't really need anything, and the great ideas that pop into my head include fancy cameras and diamond jewelry. Not helpful for the $50 limit. When I ask myself what I really want, I inevitably fall down the rabbit hole into a land of options not intended to be wrapped. So, I thought maybe I'd share a few of them with you and you can talk to Santa for me if you see him.
1) Find a Magic Wardrobe in my House - While I'd love to go to Narnia (post witch deposition), I quite literally would love to discover a magic storage space. My house is just shy of 900 sq ft and lacks a proper coat or linen closet. I keep checking the wall for the magic spot that opens it up, but no luck yet.
2) X-Ray Label Vision - With all the talk of phthalates and parabens in every beauty product and cleaner these days, I would love to be able to read the label and know what's really in my shampoo. Maybe there's an app for that...
3) Learn a New Language Like a Toddler - Maybe I'm just lazy, but I want to figure out how to reopen that language center in the brain before I invest in the Italian lessons.
4) Pull Off the Ten Item Wardrobe - There are magazines that say this is possible, and it always looks very chic in print. So far, I have not been able to edit the closet this ruthlessly. This would also be useful in solving the closet shortage issue.
5) Reclaim the Upper Arms from my Senior Homecoming Photo - I ran across the photo the other day, and I kicked myself for not appreciating them when I had them. Now it will require lots of work to get 'em back.
6) Extreme Home Makeover for the Neighbors - No, I'm not that altruistic. Their house is just that hideous. Washing machine in back yard - that is all I have to say.
7) Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men - Cliche, yes. I really would like it, though. Everyone is so contentious these days, and I find it a little exhausting. Maybe if we had a heavenly host singing to us, we could all look past our noses. Including me.
I wish you a peaceful and joyous Advent season! Don't forget to talk to Santa for me...
Anyway, as you probably have realized unless you are in an isolation chamber, Christmas is coming. In preparation I have been thinking a little about my wish list. I don't actually really like to make a list, but we draw names in my family. If you don't supply options you will end up with an ill-fitting sweater. This year, I find I'm having the same trouble as the last few. I can't come up with anything good. I don't really need anything, and the great ideas that pop into my head include fancy cameras and diamond jewelry. Not helpful for the $50 limit. When I ask myself what I really want, I inevitably fall down the rabbit hole into a land of options not intended to be wrapped. So, I thought maybe I'd share a few of them with you and you can talk to Santa for me if you see him.
1) Find a Magic Wardrobe in my House - While I'd love to go to Narnia (post witch deposition), I quite literally would love to discover a magic storage space. My house is just shy of 900 sq ft and lacks a proper coat or linen closet. I keep checking the wall for the magic spot that opens it up, but no luck yet.
2) X-Ray Label Vision - With all the talk of phthalates and parabens in every beauty product and cleaner these days, I would love to be able to read the label and know what's really in my shampoo. Maybe there's an app for that...
3) Learn a New Language Like a Toddler - Maybe I'm just lazy, but I want to figure out how to reopen that language center in the brain before I invest in the Italian lessons.
4) Pull Off the Ten Item Wardrobe - There are magazines that say this is possible, and it always looks very chic in print. So far, I have not been able to edit the closet this ruthlessly. This would also be useful in solving the closet shortage issue.
5) Reclaim the Upper Arms from my Senior Homecoming Photo - I ran across the photo the other day, and I kicked myself for not appreciating them when I had them. Now it will require lots of work to get 'em back.
6) Extreme Home Makeover for the Neighbors - No, I'm not that altruistic. Their house is just that hideous. Washing machine in back yard - that is all I have to say.
7) Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men - Cliche, yes. I really would like it, though. Everyone is so contentious these days, and I find it a little exhausting. Maybe if we had a heavenly host singing to us, we could all look past our noses. Including me.
I wish you a peaceful and joyous Advent season! Don't forget to talk to Santa for me...
11.01.2009
Losing my Stuffin'
For the last couple of weeks I've been working on getting rid of unwanted stuff in my house. I am amazed at the amount of material things with no purpose that manage to pile up around here. I would hate to see the results if I wasn't actually trying to fight the accumulation to some degree. Stuff seems to be oozing out of every corner, and it's especially striking to see it all gathered up and waiting to be given away.
First of all, we have the candles and lotion pile. Let me just state for the record, that I love my friends and family and appreciate the lovely thoughts behind their gifts to me. That said, a girl can only use so many candles and bath salts for fear of rashes and overscenting, yet these items seem to be a default present. Be honest. Who among us hasn't forgotten to get a gift and felt foolish arriving empty handed, only to swing through the smelly bath section of the drug store and grab the first thing that looks serviceable? No one else? OK, maybe it's just me, but the candle and lotion giveaway pile is there and it's telling your story. I suspect for guys the same phenomenon is at work, but in the form of all-in-one pocket tools and brain teaser puzzles. I have three words for those who find themselves in need of a last minute gift that I plan to take to heart: ITunes gift card.
The second pile that always shocks me is clothing. How can I possibly be giving away this many items of clothing, when I clearly have nothing to wear? Why just yesterday, I looked in that closet and saw only tumbleweeds. While some things in this pile are worn out and a few might be misguided gifts, for the most part I'm looking at the (wo)man in the mirror. She's gotta take a look at herself and make a change. Seriously, I am considering entering a twelve step program for the overpurchase of plain t-shirts. I don't know what comes over me, but it seems I have an irrational fear of running out of black shirts.
As I wade through the existing stuff with some dismay, I find my stuff sensitivity has been heightened. Stuff is everywhere and avoiding it can feel impossible. A seemingly innocent purchase of false eyelashes related to my Halloween costume really got me thinking. This morning as I was throwing them away and recycling the box, I felt guilty and a little bit like I drank the Kool Aid. That was pretty wasteful, and I didn't even think twice about doing it. I wondered why I didn't think about it, and my thoughts immediately went to the store where I bought them. It was filled with stuff: for my house, for the holidays, for my amusement, for my health, etc. Yesterday it was equally filled with people consuming this stuff with a cranky fury. Why? Because they need it. They have an itch and it needs to be scratched. After all, you really should talk to your doctor because you need our product to cure your athlete's foot and/or psychological ennui. Ten out of ten people we paid said it works great.
Everyone complains about stuff, but it's like we are trapped by it, sometimes quite literally. We have given stuff great power in our lives. We've gotten to the point where stuff is equated with love, security and status. We've confused stuff with substance, but really it's just clutter. It takes up valuable space in our homes, on our planet and in our psyche. While there are some necessary items in life, I think the first step to avoiding the siren song of stuff is to consciously change our thinking. As I go forward, I want to try to live my life instead of interpreting it through things. I won't lie. It's gonna be tough, especially when I see the next black t-shirt.
And now, to avoid ending on a mildly preachy note, I leave you with some of my favorite thoughts on stuff from George Carlin.
First of all, we have the candles and lotion pile. Let me just state for the record, that I love my friends and family and appreciate the lovely thoughts behind their gifts to me. That said, a girl can only use so many candles and bath salts for fear of rashes and overscenting, yet these items seem to be a default present. Be honest. Who among us hasn't forgotten to get a gift and felt foolish arriving empty handed, only to swing through the smelly bath section of the drug store and grab the first thing that looks serviceable? No one else? OK, maybe it's just me, but the candle and lotion giveaway pile is there and it's telling your story. I suspect for guys the same phenomenon is at work, but in the form of all-in-one pocket tools and brain teaser puzzles. I have three words for those who find themselves in need of a last minute gift that I plan to take to heart: ITunes gift card.
The second pile that always shocks me is clothing. How can I possibly be giving away this many items of clothing, when I clearly have nothing to wear? Why just yesterday, I looked in that closet and saw only tumbleweeds. While some things in this pile are worn out and a few might be misguided gifts, for the most part I'm looking at the (wo)man in the mirror. She's gotta take a look at herself and make a change. Seriously, I am considering entering a twelve step program for the overpurchase of plain t-shirts. I don't know what comes over me, but it seems I have an irrational fear of running out of black shirts.
As I wade through the existing stuff with some dismay, I find my stuff sensitivity has been heightened. Stuff is everywhere and avoiding it can feel impossible. A seemingly innocent purchase of false eyelashes related to my Halloween costume really got me thinking. This morning as I was throwing them away and recycling the box, I felt guilty and a little bit like I drank the Kool Aid. That was pretty wasteful, and I didn't even think twice about doing it. I wondered why I didn't think about it, and my thoughts immediately went to the store where I bought them. It was filled with stuff: for my house, for the holidays, for my amusement, for my health, etc. Yesterday it was equally filled with people consuming this stuff with a cranky fury. Why? Because they need it. They have an itch and it needs to be scratched. After all, you really should talk to your doctor because you need our product to cure your athlete's foot and/or psychological ennui. Ten out of ten people we paid said it works great.
Everyone complains about stuff, but it's like we are trapped by it, sometimes quite literally. We have given stuff great power in our lives. We've gotten to the point where stuff is equated with love, security and status. We've confused stuff with substance, but really it's just clutter. It takes up valuable space in our homes, on our planet and in our psyche. While there are some necessary items in life, I think the first step to avoiding the siren song of stuff is to consciously change our thinking. As I go forward, I want to try to live my life instead of interpreting it through things. I won't lie. It's gonna be tough, especially when I see the next black t-shirt.
And now, to avoid ending on a mildly preachy note, I leave you with some of my favorite thoughts on stuff from George Carlin.
10.25.2009
I Prefer Baby Bear's Porridge
I've been meaning to get around to starting this blog for a few months now. I've even started the process a couple of times, but I always got held up on one little detail: the name. As I am the former holder of an email address that included the words Betty and Boop, you can understand my hesitation. It had to be perfect. After all, maybe I'll become famous some day and be stuck with some silly moniker. Furthermore, the rest of the site also had to be perfect and look hip. I can't have people knowing I'm relatively new to the blogosphere. So today I started thinking about setting it up again, and when I found myself making a long list of potential names I had to laugh. After all, I'm not attempting to write the great American novel. Perhaps I might be taking myself a tad too seriously?
The thing is, I have been this way my whole life. I can't help it, coming from a long line of perfectionists. Countless hours have been spent in search of the precise dress, exact couch or perfect turn of phrase. The holy grail can be found if you're committed enough. I'm just sure of it. In reminiscing about these quests, I was particularly struck by the absurdity of the fact that many of these searches have been brought to me by the color green. Not just any green, though, it has to be the right green. The perfect green. It's kind of an appley-avocado-lime shade, and for some reason I am inordinately drawn to it. A version of it appears currently in my life in the form of a tablecloth, a purse, three shirts, two sweaters and my water bottle. What can I tell you? I gotta be me.
While I have a healthy respect (and possibly an unnatural love) for exacting standards and detailed preferences, the truth is I know that perfection doesn't exist. Even with lots of editing and liposuction. That's actually what makes life amusing. It's more interesting when things don't go according to plan, particularly if you are the observer. So, I offer you my musings and my potentially regrettable blog title. Enjoy...
The thing is, I have been this way my whole life. I can't help it, coming from a long line of perfectionists. Countless hours have been spent in search of the precise dress, exact couch or perfect turn of phrase. The holy grail can be found if you're committed enough. I'm just sure of it. In reminiscing about these quests, I was particularly struck by the absurdity of the fact that many of these searches have been brought to me by the color green. Not just any green, though, it has to be the right green. The perfect green. It's kind of an appley-avocado-lime shade, and for some reason I am inordinately drawn to it. A version of it appears currently in my life in the form of a tablecloth, a purse, three shirts, two sweaters and my water bottle. What can I tell you? I gotta be me.
While I have a healthy respect (and possibly an unnatural love) for exacting standards and detailed preferences, the truth is I know that perfection doesn't exist. Even with lots of editing and liposuction. That's actually what makes life amusing. It's more interesting when things don't go according to plan, particularly if you are the observer. So, I offer you my musings and my potentially regrettable blog title. Enjoy...
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