Random Facts Meme

Was tagged by Two Times The Fun to do this Meme...7 random facts about me...hmmm...well since I already have over 90 random facts listed on my blog about me I'll have to come up with some others...let's see...

1. I once dated two boys named Eugene at the same time.
2. Right now the weather is perfect and I feel like climbing up a tree and finishing my book.
3. I once lived near a hospital for mental patients and I can still hear them crying and banging on their windows.
4. I entered kindergarten one year early so I was always "the youngest" in every class I took.
5. I am fascinated with people who lie...always want to know their motive.
6. Sometimes my reader gets full and I just hit "mark all read" and call it a day.
7. Sometimes I forget that West Virginia is a state.

While The Cat is Away...

Hubby asked that I not "remove" his McCain sign from our yard while he is away...

So I haven't. I am respecting his wishes.

I only repositioned one of my Obama signs.

Poems For Graham...You Are A True Inspiration My Friend!

One of my most favorite ways to enjoy nature is through the eyes of my favorite photographer and friend, Graham Ettridge. Looking at his photos is more than eye candy. It is nature experienced through the eyes of someone who finds beauty in the early morning hours when others are asleep, during rains storms while most hide behind closed windows, in the history of his homeland, in the daily lives of people around him and especially in the nature that surrounds him. He is in awe of the universe and it shows in the way he lives his life and shares it with others. I am honored to call him friend.

Recently Graham posted some pictures on his blog that have inspired me to write some poetry. I chose the Japanese Haiku in the 5,7,5 syllable format for it’s natural flow and depiction of nature.

I have numbered the poems to go with the order of his photos on his blog. Please go over and look at his photos...you will understand what I mean when you see his photos.

#1
She sings good morning
Raising her voice through the trees
Songs for the forest

#3
Walking down a path
But her beauty holds me still
She begs me to stay

#4
Old, tired and barren
Genesis of the forest
Her children are near

#7
I lay at her feet
She’s the essence of my soul
I drink of her shade

Problem Solved

I believe this is called making lemonade...

If You Are My Friend

If anyone reads this and has an Obama yard sign, I need one now. Like RIGHT NOW! Someone has stuck a McCain sign in my yard and I am horrified. Mark won't let me take it down. One neighbor has already said that they would die if they were me. I just might. I need a sign now. Seriously. I am going tomorrow to the Obama office to pick some up but it can't wait that long. I simply can't have anyone thinking I'm voting for McCain or even worse...Palin. Oh my goodness no! Seriously someone help me. I will pay. I will meet you in a dark alley and pay you in money and homemade cookies. Just hand over the signs.

Pretty Funny (not to mention accurate)

Hot Pockets

I've been far too serious with all the politics lately. That is sooo not me! I'm rarely serious. Seriously! So this weekend I am going to see one of my favorite comedians. I've so been looking forward to an evening out with other adults where the topic of conversation has nothing to do with kids or school. We are going to eat at the Mongolian Barbeque before heading over to the show. Can't wait! Oh, here's one of my favorite youtube clips of Jim Gaffigan, the comedian we are going to see.

Just To Clear Things Up

I received an email this morning stating the fact that Obama's parents both died young and how we should be concerned that Obama might also die young. Okay folks...his father died in an auto accident and his mother of ovarian cancer. I can assure you that Obama's father did not pass the automobile accident gene on to him and I'm pretty darn sure that he's also not going to die of ovarian cancer. But thanks for the laugh...I needed it this morning!

I Wonder If The Left Leg Of A Vice President Is Worth Anything? Probably Not.

This made me sick to my stomach.

Not Singing The Blue Jean Blues Anymore...I'm In Love!

Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?

At a whopping $3,000, I would have NEVER EVER purchased such beauties! BUT... these darlings came not at such a high price. No, no, no my friends! A friend recently moved into a situation where he would not be needing these (no, not jail!) and so he asked if we wanted them (for much much much less than $3,000). Oh I am just in heaven. I have spent the last 4 days washing everything in my house. When I ran out of clothes I went on to bed linens, blankets in storage, table cloths, and winter coats. There are a million settings from which to choose. Aren't they beautiful? Mark has to cut a new hole in the wall for the dryer vent...the old one is in the wrong place. I don't even know what I will do with all the room in my laundry room now! Maybe dance a little jig while I'm listening to the slooshy sloshy slooshy sloshy quiet sound of my garments cleaning? Folks, it is so quiet. And then, when the cycle finishes, it sings you this cute little song to let you know when it is finished. Apparently, you can download your own songs for it to play. (okay, just kidding). I don't even want to leave the laundry room when I'm washing. They are like my new psychologist. I just want to pull up a chair and talk to them while they unsoil (so what if it's not a word) my life. If I ever win the lottery, I am going to purchase these for every friend. You all deserve to be this in love with a major appliance.

Just a Pic Younger Child Took of Me When We Were Walking To Our Car To Go Home

At The Denver Art Museum

Right before this photo was taken we walked past a sculpture of a nude woman. Child says "mom, this place is very inappropriate for children."

Needless to say, the young couple studying the sculpture cracked up laughing.

Just Walking The Tracks With Younger Child

Denver Art Museum Free Day - Saturday October 4th

Paintings by Daniel Richter

Denver Art Museum Website

open 10-5 and it is free on Saturday! Bring the kiddos and a lunch.

Huh?...Seriously...Huh?

I Chose To Be An Idiot...By Sarah Palin

Therapy and a Movie

Had fun tonight. I think I needed to relax my thoughts a little. My stomach has been in knots all day and still is but I'm going to bed...maybe it will go away. I've been having crazy crazy dreams lately. The other night I dreamt I was at a party with all my friends. I mean everyone was there in my dream. It was so fun. You guys are a blast! I had one of my recurring dreams the other night too. It is my favorite one. It always starts out with me walking up the steps to a large run down mansion someplace just outside of downtown. I have inherited this house from my late uncle. Each time I have the dream I always discover something new in the house. This time it was a cardboard box of old letters and some magic plants (no, not those kind of magic plants). The box of letters were from a soldier in the civil war to his lover. I sat in the attic of the house reading each and every letter falling completely in love with how in love they were. I wondered if he made it home from the war alive. After reading the letters I stumbled upon some plants. The plants obviously had not been watered. They were living in total darkness without water and were thriving. In my dream I thought that I might be able to use the plants for curing something and knew that I needed to keep them safe. I can't wait to go back. Well, folks...I actually have a job interview tomorrow downtown. Wish me luck.

Donna Therapy

Laughter. Tonight. Need it.

The Fundamentals of our Economy are What?

From my house I can see (not Russia you silly goose) but a million dollar house in forclosure. Define "strong" for me Senator McCain.

Know a Jewish Young Adult?

Send them on a once in a lifetime trip to Israel for free!

Type Only One Word Meme

A meme...taken from Jen at Never a Dull Moment.

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket
2. Your significant other? Mark
3. Your hair? Ponytailed
4. Your sibling? Pregnant
5. Your kids? Sleeping
6. Your favorite thing? Senses
7. Your dream last night? Historical
8. Your favorite drink? Redwinecoldbeermargaritastrongcoffeedasanimimosas
9. Your dream/goal? Happiness
10. The room you’re in? Office
11. Your fear? Loss
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Helping
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you’re not? Angry
15. Muffins? Scones
16. One of your wish list items? Organization
17. Where you grew up? Colorfornia
18. The last thing you did? Rsvp’d
19. What are you wearing? Organic
20. Your TV? Unwatched
21. Your pet? Playing
22. Your computer? Necessity
23. Your life? Fruitful
24. Your mood? Quixotic
25. Missing someone? No
26. Your car? Minivan
27. Something your not wearing: Makeup
28. Favorite Store? Tattered
29. Your summer? Delicious
30. Your favorite color? Green
31. When is the last time you laughed? Now
32. Last time you cried? Unspecified
33. Who will/would re-post this? You
34. Place I go over and over? School
35. Favorite food? Mexican
36. Place I would rather be right now? Beach

You Know He's Whipped...

When he'll hold the jumprope!

Only a Few Comments on The Smackdown (Debate)

McCain has a teary eye...it makes me crazy...someone please give him a tissue or some Restasis or something.

McCain was born without a neck, Palin without a brain...both need to visit The Wizard of Oz for some body parts.

McCain accused Obama a gazillion times of "not understanding"...thank you Obama for having the intelligence to explain so brilliantly how it is exactly that you do understand.

Okay, so what was up with that line dividing the screen? Why couldn't they just use a line? Why did it have to be like this constant moving up and down liquidy looking line. It reminded me of what it looks like when you give blood. The screen theatrics were so not necessary.

What I love about Obama is that when McCain tries to take a dig at him, it ends up being to Obama's advantage. Obama uses the opportunity to take us back in history using names and dates and examples to back up his position on issues. He has an incredible memory. He remembers things McCain said years ago (better than McCain can) which really has been to his advantage.

Oh, and my favorite part of the debate...Obama said "orgy".

Good night all.

One For the Guys

Sex in the City Quote


Mr. Big: Nice dress.

Carrie: Meaning?

Mr. Big: Nice dress.

September Challenge

Over at One Man's Travels, my talented and delightful friend Graham puts together these fabulous photography challenges each month. For September the challenge is to photograph your favorite time of day. I have two, sunrise and sunset. I chose to photograph sunset because the sun sets over the Rocky Mountains every day just for me (and only rises above the tract homes in my neighborhood so that's not real exciting). I took this photo tonight at around 7:10 pm.

Here's one I took in May...

"Hello" Is Secret Code For "Sign Me Up" Apparently

So, has anyone else been getting like 5 phone calls a day from Moveon.org or the Denver Dems? Okay, I love ya and all but come on people...they keep calling me and all I have to do is say "hello" and somehow that gets me signed up to volunteer at offices across Colorado!!! Then they send me emails saying "you've signed up"...WHAT? But...but...but...I just said "hello". I didn't sign up for anything did I? How does this happen? It goes like this...

Ring ring ring

Me: hello

Them: hi, wanna volunteer?

Me: no

Them: we need you

Me: no, I can't

Them: Does Saturday work for you?

Me: no, I can't Saturday

Them: Does 2:00 or 4:00 work better?

Me: no

Them: Wow, thank you so much for helping us out

Me: no

Them: See you soon!

Me: crap

If You Are For Capital Punishment...Read This

Actually, it's just really interesting so everyone should read it.

http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/9/20/05331/0080

I Can't Stop Watching This

Oooh, Ron Paul Just Stormed in on McCain and Got All Revolutionary on His Butt!

Liar Liar McCain and Palin Pants on Fire

Wow John...You Sure Know How to Pick em Lately!

John McCain's economic advisor, Carly Fiorina, talking about how McCain and Palin, and the other candidates are not qualified to run a corporation...ha ha...wow, hope she didn't like her job much.

OMG! I am the worst friend on the face of the earth!!!!!!

Is it September? Please tell me no. Crud. I am so self absorbed lately!!!!

HAPPY HAPPY OH SOOOO LATE BUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FRIEND FRANCINE!

I am such a loser!

Geology Study/Hike at Roxborough State Park

The Stowaway!

My Milksnake Brings All The Cats To The Yard

Husband found a milk snake. Kids named him Belt. He was boring. Cats thought he was fun...so fun in fact that they climbed in his cage and played with him. Belt went bye bye. Husband's in the dog house for bringing home wild stray animal. The end.

Hiking Hall Ranch

Had a great hiking group this weekend. We are such a diverse group of people from different parts of the world and different interests...coming together to spend time doing what we love to do. Older child wasn't feeling too well so I went without her this time. It was a 5 mile hike...nothing strenuous but lots of fun.

Walkin The Dogs

Having three cats, my girls are dog deprived. When we go to Petsmart to get cat food, they have to play with every animal there. They know how much I hate pet stores but Petsmart isn't so bad. Their animals are from adoption agencies and not mass produced to live in tiny cages to be sold to mall looky-loos who don't know the slightest thing about taking care of a pet.

So last week we noticed they were having their regular dog adoption party. On Friday night little child was in tears because I made her put the dog back in its cage after 45 minutes of it sleeping on her lap. She has such a way with animals.

So we went back on Saturday. I told them that we could spend the whole day playing with all the dogs...that we'd let them all out of their cages and take them to the field to play. The adoption people are totally cool with it. The dogs need the attention.

Some Catching Up To Do

Yes, I know. It's been a while. A week to be exact. I've gotten a few emails from some of you...your well wishes are appreciated...thank you! I haven't been far...just not present...not mentally anyway. I had a quick moment tonight to post something...guess I've wasted that moment on telling you that I am actually going to post something of substance later. A couple of you have been heavy on my heart lately...you know who you are. I have much to tell you all. Many pictures to post from last weekend. I promise to be back soon.

The Absolutle Best British Sitcom EVER! (sorry, I even liked it better than Monty Python)

I used to be obsessed with Absolutely Fabulous in the early 90's. Thank heaven for youtube so I can relive every episode!

Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone are the Lucy and Ethel of British Television...I would describe their behavior as outrageously hilarious. They are two substance-abusing fashion and fad-obsessed Londoners who value fame and style over substance (unless they are controlled substances). Saffron, Edina's daughter, is the sanity in her mother's world. Edina and Saffy live in a house in Holland Park...Patsy is there most of the time and Patsy and Saffy can't stand each other.

The program revolves around Eddy's ongoing struggle to achieve fame, success and a slender figure amidst the disapproval of her daughter and the constant presence of her increasingly senile mother. Patsy is always at her side encouraging the behaviors that are constantly causing her conflict. Much of the comedy of the show is physical, usually derived from Edina and Patsy's drunken and/or stoned states, with their favorite drinks being Bolly Stolly (a cocktail of Bollinger champagne and Stolichnaya vodka) and later Veuve & Bourb (a mix of Veuve Clicquot champagne and bourbon) or Dom & Bom (a mix of Dom Perignon champagne and Bombay Sapphire gin). The mutual loathing between Saffy and Patsy, as each tries to guide Edina's behaviour, also makes for many comic situations. A recurring gag found new ways for Edina to fall headfirst out of cars, windows, or down her kitchen stairs at least once every series.

Well Said

The Longest Most Difficult Lesson...Turning the Other Cheek

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…" (Matthew 5:38:45 RSV)

I have often wondered just how far the famous "turn the other cheek" instruction from Jesus should go in everyday life. Does it mean that we must allow ourselves to be defenseless victims of repetitive harm or wrongdoing? I don't think so. But how do we turn the other cheek and still keep our dignity? As someone who can be sharp tongued and quick with comebacks, I’ve questioned what relationships I’ve stunted by not turning the other cheek in the past and this led me to explore the idea further.

In a perfect relationship in a perfect world, both people involved would turn the other cheek in every negative situation presented...thus opening up the relationship to its full potential. Love, as the first priority, in my opinion, leads to love being the only priority, thus it would not be possible for anything negative in the way of feelings, words or actions to come in to play. All negativity would be squashed by the loving act of turning the cheek. In fact, at each instance I think value and trust would actually be created and built into the relationship and the relationship would grow stronger. Each time you showed the other person that in fact, you love them so much that their words or actions can’t lessen your love, then you now hopefully have earned their trust and their love even more. The negative then actually becomes a positive right? However, if the cheek is not turned, then a negative is added on top of the original negative word/action and then the problem, however small at first, becomes compounded and exacerbated. Turning or not turning the other cheek has an exponentially positive or negative effect depending on which you choose. That’s the amazing…and totally scary thing.

So let us though, get to reality. Reality is that it is incredibly rare for both people in a relationship to have the emotional intelligence and be emotionally mature and seasoned enough to turn the other cheek and understand its exponential effects on the relationship. My thoughts as of recent are that I can only control myself in this. So I ask these questions…is there good to be found in being the only person turning the cheek? Does it make me happy or does it make me resentful to turn my cheek even if it is not reciprocated or acknowledged? Can I do it consistently without any expectations from the other person? These are questions I have asked myself. I don’t know if an answer can be found in scripture, but I set out to find my own real world answer.

First, let’s just acknowledge that turning the other cheek is damn hard. And first things first...check your pride at the door...no room for it here. You are going to regurgitate and swallow your pride a thousand times in this process. It totally sucks to be hurt. It totally sucks to focus on someone hurting you over and over with no apology and no acknowledgement of your pain. And it totally sucks to hand them your heart, once again, while you are still in pain. But I’m going to attempt to make the case for doing it anyway.

At first I kind of felt like a chump each time I turned my cheek to someone. I felt walked on…like I was ALLOWING this person to treat me in a way that is unacceptable. But over time, something started to happen. Turning the other cheek started to feel liberating. With people whom I wasn't close or just getting to know, I focused on the possibility that this person could turn out to be a very very good friend…and...would I want to hurt a good friend? By turning the other cheek to them, I started to feel liberated from their actions instead of feeling pain. By handing them the power to hurt me again, I actually take that power away from them. Weird, I know. I don’t know how to explain how or why it occurs...it is just healing and the sole responsibility has been on me. Now, that is not to say that I don’t feel the initial sting of what they did to me. I do. I am human. I feel it and it hurts…and in many cases it hurts badly. I find myself wanting to explain to them how much they are hurting me but that seems to set me back in the process. That puts responsibility on them and takes it away from me and that isn't really fair at this juncture since they don't understand what I am trying to accomplish. The important thing to remember is that at the end of the day my mind and my heart have only my own actions to be accountable for. If I have always turned my cheek to someone, at the end of the day, my mind and heart are happy….my mind and heart are strong and healthy…my mind and heart are at peace…AND GET THIS…my mind and heart are totally in a place to forgive the person for their words and actions BECAUSE my mind and heart are not preoccupied by the pain. Again, weird, I know. Who woulda thunk it? Turning the other cheek to the person can and probably should also be accompanied by a firm statement of how you would like to be treated. This is not easy but is often necessary if that person doesn't understand the pain they have caused you....may not understand that their words or actions are hurtful and they may just need the tools to be a better friend. Hopefully, they will embrace your willingness to show them how you want to be treated and will feel your understanding and commitment to them and to your relationship. Ideally, the exponential value of turning the other cheek to someone won't even be fully realized by you because you won't see the amazing way it transcends every other relationship that that person has with others and so on and so on. You have started something rockin good and you have to have faith that the good will be self perpetuating.

So, is it difficult? Yes! And, it can be soooo frustrating. I want quick results. I want thanks and praise and "good job". But it is thankless and quiet and sometimes lonely. It is also a long lesson that needs to be consciously practiced in order for one to be good. Let me just say...I'm not there yet. But the cool thing is that you can forgive yourself for messing up every once in a while. You are building very strong relationships by turning the other cheek…relationships that aren’t going to crumble just because you had a bad day and couldn’t turn your cheek before your tongue got the best of you. And you will sleep at night knowing that you gave everything in your power in the name of love and that is all you can do.

Disclaimer…my practice of turning the other cheek does not apply to mental or physical abuse. So, being the loyal friend that I am, if someone is mentally or physically abusing you…give me a shout because, well, you know, I will totally go beat their ass for you…that’s what good friends are for and that's what I'm doing when I'm not turning the other cheek.

In The Thick of It

School is back in full swing. Between book club, Lit Class and Theme older child is currently reading three novels. It took us several years to get here but older child doesn't have to be nailed to a chair and forced to do homework anymore and younger child has always been very proactive with it so life is good now...except for the fact that I don't understand their homework half the time. We did a little school clothes shopping this afternoon. Younger child kept yelling "heads up momma" from the dressing room before she'd throw an outfit out for me to hang up. It's funny how people always comment on both my kids referring to me as "momma". The dressing room attendant said it was such a sweet term of endearment. I agree. I've always loved it. We don't know why either of the girls call me that instead of mom or mommy but they always have since they were babies. My youngest also refers to her big sis as "Sissy" also, more than by her real name. It's funny how they decide what to call people. Their grandpa has always been "Papa" instead of grandpa. Older child has also given most her girlfriends nicknames...like "Woodchip"! I guess it could be worse?

Nature & Science Museum

I'm Picking McCain

I'm picking his nose that is!

I stayed the night at my girlfriend's house last night...we didn't have our kids (they all had sleepovers). We were going to watch a movie but stayed up all night talking instead.

One thing I love about all my friends is that they don't try to fix me. They do laugh at me and make fun of me quite often...but I'm sort of an easy target. My friends are the kind that won't give you tons of advice when you need them...they'll just figure out a way to help you cry.

Last night my friend made me wear this Obama/McCain shirt as pajamas. So when I got home this morning (yes, I drove home in my pajamas) I took this picture.

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." --- Kahlil Gibran

Visit To Denver Art Museum

Look real close...she's in the broom.

Did Your Momma Sing This Song To You Too?

This is the song I was singing last night when I went to bed. My husband thinks I'm a nut case I'm sure. We used to sing this when we were little kids.

Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
If the words sound queer and funny to your ear, a little bit jumbled and jivey,
Sing "Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy."

Hey Denver Kiddos...FREE Days at the Museums This Weekend!

Take advantage of what Denver has to offer...FREE...can't beat that for the whole family! Plus it is going to be a nice weekend. Both museums are adjacent to city parks...pack a lunch and have a picnic in the park!


Denver Art Museum - Sat. 9/6 opens 10:00 am (always free the first Sat of the month)

Denver Museum of Nature and Science - Sun. 9/7 opens 9:00 am

Oh The Hypocracy Of It All!

Jon Even Mentions The City I Was Born and Raised in...Chula Vista, California! haha

Another Beautiful Film By Invisible Children Premiers This Sunday

RSVP for your tickets by sending an email here rsvp@invisiblechildren.com

But first check if your city is on the premier list (denver is!)

And then watch the trailer here.