French pressed Stumptown coffee.
The smell of evergreens in our very cold, damp little Portland apt.
Hand-made snowflakes silently moving from the ceiling (it FEELS cold enough to snow in here!)
Decorating a gingerbread house.
Kazoo caroling. (can't sing)
Colorful lights.
People being kind,
loving
and jolly.
Music of the season...sort of picky though
I like the "croon and swoon" Rosemary Clooney era AND
Trans Siberian Orchestra AND
Rennaisance era Christmas carols
Baking
Watching Classic Holiday movies with my dog, my kat, my partner... and a warm blanket.
Remembering.
"Never a Christmas morning
Never the old year ends
But someone thinks of someone
Old days, old times, old friends."
These are just a few of my Favorite Things
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Automotive Philosopher
"You do not need to be sick to get better."
Now I think that sounds very "profound". Especially since I saw it all bold and out there written in funky black all capitol letters. You know, the boards that automotive places use to advertise their specials. Churches are also known to put "profound" messages for all to see utilizing the same funky black all capitol letters. I think the signs in front of the automotive places probably get read more. The words may be similar, however they just seem less judgmental located in front of a building that has broken down cars versus a "come in my brethren" pristine building.
So how DO those mechanics get to be so wise and articulate? Maybe it's because as a rule they are much deeper philosophically than outward appearances?? Hmmm working on a car WOULD give a person ample time to ponder the deeper questions of the universe. And cars do not jibber jabber back at you which allows for a quieter meditative atmosphere.
Maybe I should learn how to work on a car so I can find the answer?
In the meantime next time you drive by one of those automotive repair places take the time to READ their message.
You just might learn something.
**Just read a new one that I could identify with:
"Procrastinate now~don't put it off!"
here's another one: (same mechanic, different day)
"Never rationalize anything that feels wrong"
can you believe it? 11/22/09 this one is from the same mechanic!:
"Never surrender your dreams to noisy negatives."
13 February 2011
I had to add a couple more philosophical musings to this blog!
"You don't just deal with adversity you use it to propel you forward."
"I hate the moment in an argument when I realize I am wrong."
Our personal mechanic Jake may not offer to the universe wise words of wisdom (at least not on a public board that I know of) however, we are most grateful that he and his team are the best with our vehicles ailments.
Now I think that sounds very "profound". Especially since I saw it all bold and out there written in funky black all capitol letters. You know, the boards that automotive places use to advertise their specials. Churches are also known to put "profound" messages for all to see utilizing the same funky black all capitol letters. I think the signs in front of the automotive places probably get read more. The words may be similar, however they just seem less judgmental located in front of a building that has broken down cars versus a "come in my brethren" pristine building.
So how DO those mechanics get to be so wise and articulate? Maybe it's because as a rule they are much deeper philosophically than outward appearances?? Hmmm working on a car WOULD give a person ample time to ponder the deeper questions of the universe. And cars do not jibber jabber back at you which allows for a quieter meditative atmosphere.
Maybe I should learn how to work on a car so I can find the answer?
In the meantime next time you drive by one of those automotive repair places take the time to READ their message.
You just might learn something.
**Just read a new one that I could identify with:
"Procrastinate now~don't put it off!"
here's another one: (same mechanic, different day)
"Never rationalize anything that feels wrong"
can you believe it? 11/22/09 this one is from the same mechanic!:
"Never surrender your dreams to noisy negatives."
13 February 2011
I had to add a couple more philosophical musings to this blog!
"You don't just deal with adversity you use it to propel you forward."
"I hate the moment in an argument when I realize I am wrong."
Our personal mechanic Jake may not offer to the universe wise words of wisdom (at least not on a public board that I know of) however, we are most grateful that he and his team are the best with our vehicles ailments.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Station Five... continued
So I wrote about my "trauma" as a child at Station Five. Remember the summer swim lessons? The angst of not going on to Station Six or Seven?
Sometimes my body feels like I am the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz with no frickin oil! So, my daughter, knowing the benefits of a water workout, has bought me 20 visits to the neighborhood pool. That's right, they call it lap swim. Oh joy.
After careful consideration I figured what do I have to lose except the muffin top? I was older. I was wiser. And I KNEW I could do the lap thing AND keep my face out of the water if I wanted to. It's called a backstroke. So I agreed and embarked on overcoming the Station Five mentality that has haunted me for so long.
First morning I get into the SLOW lane with an elderly lady and another woman. I thought that it would be a "safe" lane to "test the waters" with to gauge my fitness level and ability. Technically one is supposed to swim on the right, sort of like driving a car, and go in a circle. I lowered myself into the water and started doing a little make-shift side stroke (with my head above the water of course) allowing enough space behind the elderly woman, or so I thought. Before I knew it, she had zoomed to one end of the pool and was heading back... right at me...on my side! She could not see me as she was doing the backstroke, MY stroke! I quickly did an about face and paddled back to the edge of the pool. Perhaps I would wait until she was done...and my ego had recuperated. Nothing like someone 20 years older (or more!)almost running me over in the slow lane to have a reality check! To make matters worse when I left the pool, I was still in a dither from my ineptness and lack of fitness that I went to use the toilet and automatically put down the protective seat cover paper.
Not good.
Especially when one is still totally wet from being in the pool.
I guess I am going to have to work extra hard to break free from Station Number Five.
Sometimes my body feels like I am the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz with no frickin oil! So, my daughter, knowing the benefits of a water workout, has bought me 20 visits to the neighborhood pool. That's right, they call it lap swim. Oh joy.
After careful consideration I figured what do I have to lose except the muffin top? I was older. I was wiser. And I KNEW I could do the lap thing AND keep my face out of the water if I wanted to. It's called a backstroke. So I agreed and embarked on overcoming the Station Five mentality that has haunted me for so long.
First morning I get into the SLOW lane with an elderly lady and another woman. I thought that it would be a "safe" lane to "test the waters" with to gauge my fitness level and ability. Technically one is supposed to swim on the right, sort of like driving a car, and go in a circle. I lowered myself into the water and started doing a little make-shift side stroke (with my head above the water of course) allowing enough space behind the elderly woman, or so I thought. Before I knew it, she had zoomed to one end of the pool and was heading back... right at me...on my side! She could not see me as she was doing the backstroke, MY stroke! I quickly did an about face and paddled back to the edge of the pool. Perhaps I would wait until she was done...and my ego had recuperated. Nothing like someone 20 years older (or more!)almost running me over in the slow lane to have a reality check! To make matters worse when I left the pool, I was still in a dither from my ineptness and lack of fitness that I went to use the toilet and automatically put down the protective seat cover paper.
Not good.
Especially when one is still totally wet from being in the pool.
I guess I am going to have to work extra hard to break free from Station Number Five.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Little Pieces
Little Pieces.
You find them in random places, at random times, and wonder...what does this thing go with?? If anything at all?
It is alone.
It might be a button, that was once a part of a totally cool blouse ensemble. Or perhaps it is a unique looking cap thing that appears to screw onto something, but that couldn't possibly work on anything other than the original something it was meant to be a part of.
Now do you get what I mean?
So what does a person DO with these random little piece of somethings that FOR sure belong somewhere but you just don't know where?
SAVE IT.
Hey that's what the "junk drawer" was specifically designed for right? An old Christmas tin that originally held fruit cake from your great aunt in Florida can hold little doodlidoos. The main thing is NOT to get rid of it. EVER. Because once an object is deemed useless, (and this happens when a person does not know what the purpose is of said object, then we tend to want to pass it on, throw it away. When that moment arrives that you DO decide to pass it on, guaranteed, (and this will happen in a time frame when you will REMEMBER that you got rid of the little piece).
The "Little Piece" mystery of where it belonged will be solved.
You will be moving things around in the attic and see that the decorative screw thingy that holds the shade on to your one of a kind retro lamp...is missing.
Regrettably, you will know that it was YOU who tossed the piece.
A lesson learned.
Save the little pieces.
A button or a small chunk of decorative wood all belong somewhere. Perhaps the little piece will not make it back to it's original home...but it COULD find a new place, substituting for some other misplaced piece, doing it's part in the big scheme of things to bring balance and beauty to the world.
You find them in random places, at random times, and wonder...what does this thing go with?? If anything at all?
It is alone.
It might be a button, that was once a part of a totally cool blouse ensemble. Or perhaps it is a unique looking cap thing that appears to screw onto something, but that couldn't possibly work on anything other than the original something it was meant to be a part of.
Now do you get what I mean?
So what does a person DO with these random little piece of somethings that FOR sure belong somewhere but you just don't know where?
SAVE IT.
Hey that's what the "junk drawer" was specifically designed for right? An old Christmas tin that originally held fruit cake from your great aunt in Florida can hold little doodlidoos. The main thing is NOT to get rid of it. EVER. Because once an object is deemed useless, (and this happens when a person does not know what the purpose is of said object, then we tend to want to pass it on, throw it away. When that moment arrives that you DO decide to pass it on, guaranteed, (and this will happen in a time frame when you will REMEMBER that you got rid of the little piece).
The "Little Piece" mystery of where it belonged will be solved.
You will be moving things around in the attic and see that the decorative screw thingy that holds the shade on to your one of a kind retro lamp...is missing.
Regrettably, you will know that it was YOU who tossed the piece.
A lesson learned.
Save the little pieces.
A button or a small chunk of decorative wood all belong somewhere. Perhaps the little piece will not make it back to it's original home...but it COULD find a new place, substituting for some other misplaced piece, doing it's part in the big scheme of things to bring balance and beauty to the world.
Friday, July 11, 2008
If Thou Art a Writer
"If thou Art a Writer"
Am I? I enjoy playing around with words. Writing, to me, resembles a jenga puzzle. The right word can help the process, the wrong word, well if you have ever played jenga you know what happens when you choose a incorrect piece. It "all comes tumbling down". I wrote a blog on the art of procrastination. Something I excel at when it comes to embarking on my career as a writer.
Its time to stop the crap, take pen to paper (or in my case fingers to keyboard) and start doing it. I will never know if I can do this thing if I never give myself a shot at it.
I have a quote, that I read every day, (yet have thus far not embraced as a way of life) by Henry David Thoreau. He writes:
If thou art a writer, write as if time were short, for indeed it is short at the longest.
In other words quit messing around and write!
I hearby challenge myself, on this 11th day of July in the year 2008, to a month long commitment of DAILY WRITING! AND it has to be for AT LEAST 1 HOUR. Just so I am making myself perfectly clear:
ONE MONTH
ONE HOUR
EVERYDAY
NO EXCUSES
Am I? I enjoy playing around with words. Writing, to me, resembles a jenga puzzle. The right word can help the process, the wrong word, well if you have ever played jenga you know what happens when you choose a incorrect piece. It "all comes tumbling down". I wrote a blog on the art of procrastination. Something I excel at when it comes to embarking on my career as a writer.
Its time to stop the crap, take pen to paper (or in my case fingers to keyboard) and start doing it. I will never know if I can do this thing if I never give myself a shot at it.
I have a quote, that I read every day, (yet have thus far not embraced as a way of life) by Henry David Thoreau. He writes:
If thou art a writer, write as if time were short, for indeed it is short at the longest.
In other words quit messing around and write!
I hearby challenge myself, on this 11th day of July in the year 2008, to a month long commitment of DAILY WRITING! AND it has to be for AT LEAST 1 HOUR. Just so I am making myself perfectly clear:
ONE MONTH
ONE HOUR
EVERYDAY
NO EXCUSES
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Lucy the Dog
Lucy did not know she was a dog.
The furry appearance, wagging tail, wet black nose...all gave the appearance of doggyhood.
Lucy was so much more.
We humans all read about how we can be BETTER at being a human. More kind, more loving, more decent. Isn't it interesting to note that dogs do not need to read up on these things, listen to tapes or attend workshops.
They just are.
A kinder, more loving, more decent more forgiving human I have not encountered.
I consider myself lucky that she blessed my life for ten years. I was a tough "assignment". Lucy witnessed many things that most humans would shake their heads in judging disbelief. Lucy offered unconditional, loving, friendship. She knew when a walk would benefit me more than her, and with a knowing wag of her tail could coax me out of the darkest of thoughts to take her out.
I miss her.
I read somewhere that all dogs go to heaven...
I do not doubt that. Lucy wore her wings every day during her too brief of stay here with me.
Lucy's Favorite Song written for her by Nate, Laura and Shiloh
Tucson, Arizona summer 2005
Lucy Bucy Bucy the Dog.
Lucy Bucy Bucy the Dog.
She likes to take her monkeys everywhere.
She likes to howl in the car.
She thinks shes a real rock star.
She brightens every minute every day...
It doesn't matter how late you sleep,
She greets you in the morning.
It doesn't matter what mood you're in,
She brings you a monkey.
Lucy Bucy Bucy the Dog.
Lucy Bucy Bucy the Dog.
She likes to take her monkeys everywhere.
The furry appearance, wagging tail, wet black nose...all gave the appearance of doggyhood.
Lucy was so much more.
We humans all read about how we can be BETTER at being a human. More kind, more loving, more decent. Isn't it interesting to note that dogs do not need to read up on these things, listen to tapes or attend workshops.
They just are.
A kinder, more loving, more decent more forgiving human I have not encountered.
I consider myself lucky that she blessed my life for ten years. I was a tough "assignment". Lucy witnessed many things that most humans would shake their heads in judging disbelief. Lucy offered unconditional, loving, friendship. She knew when a walk would benefit me more than her, and with a knowing wag of her tail could coax me out of the darkest of thoughts to take her out.
I miss her.
I read somewhere that all dogs go to heaven...
I do not doubt that. Lucy wore her wings every day during her too brief of stay here with me.
Lucy's Favorite Song written for her by Nate, Laura and Shiloh
Tucson, Arizona summer 2005
Lucy Bucy Bucy the Dog.
Lucy Bucy Bucy the Dog.
She likes to take her monkeys everywhere.
She likes to howl in the car.
She thinks shes a real rock star.
She brightens every minute every day...
It doesn't matter how late you sleep,
She greets you in the morning.
It doesn't matter what mood you're in,
She brings you a monkey.
Lucy Bucy Bucy the Dog.
Lucy Bucy Bucy the Dog.
She likes to take her monkeys everywhere.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Resumes
So what exactly IS a resume? According to the definition in my dictionary it means "a summary". In the quest for gainful employment that summary usually is a one page document of whom you have worked for and how long. It also allows the person for whom the resume is highlighting the opportunity to summarize their key qualifications as well as their education.
Wouldn't it be fun to just "let loose" and write down whatever you wanted without the worries of how it looked on paper?
For instance when one of those dreaded time gaps appears, it would be great to put down what you REALLY did.
Feb 1996-March 1997 Hung out at various relatives and friends houses seeking inner peace and a good tan.
or
May 1995-current Went friggin bonkers at home taking care of the young'uns.
I guess there is no place in the work force for this type of honesty. What if we could answer the application questions with the same type of openess?
Reason for leaving job? The manager/owner/boss was a lunatic!!
Pay that you desire? Enough to get me to Italy at least once a year.
Do you require time and a half for working holidays, weekends or beyond your usual full time hours? No, I do not have a life beyond my work here at "Quickee-Mart" so who needs to make more than minimum wage????
What can you bring to this position? How about you treat me good and I will ditto.
Wouldn't it be fun to just "let loose" and write down whatever you wanted without the worries of how it looked on paper?
For instance when one of those dreaded time gaps appears, it would be great to put down what you REALLY did.
Feb 1996-March 1997 Hung out at various relatives and friends houses seeking inner peace and a good tan.
or
May 1995-current Went friggin bonkers at home taking care of the young'uns.
I guess there is no place in the work force for this type of honesty. What if we could answer the application questions with the same type of openess?
Reason for leaving job? The manager/owner/boss was a lunatic!!
Pay that you desire? Enough to get me to Italy at least once a year.
Do you require time and a half for working holidays, weekends or beyond your usual full time hours? No, I do not have a life beyond my work here at "Quickee-Mart" so who needs to make more than minimum wage????
What can you bring to this position? How about you treat me good and I will ditto.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Looking For Work
Looking for "A JOB" sucks. Especially when due to circumstances happen beyond ones control create what the job industry calls "gaps" in your work history. You know those times in your life when you are busy just surviving at some crap job hoping you can get far enough ahead to find a less crappy job and so on and so on. "Gaps" is actually a nice way to phrase it. However when one has these on their resume and even worse has numerous jobs in a short frame of time... the Human Resource Lord looks upon these as deeming you unsuitable to be worthy of an interview.
I was blessed to be fired the day after Christmas. Yea, the day after the holiday that celebrates all that is good in mankind. (Unless Scrooge was your employers idol) I say I was blessed because this job was one of crappier jobs I have endured. I was released and set free. Yay! Broke, worried, and ego slightly bruised but free. I cannot believe that I actually allowed some small minded person to belittle me and treat me disrespectfully for so long.
My days are now spent filling out forms trying to convince someone out there that I AM WORTHY! I am really! I multitask, have an attention to detail, and a sense of humor and most importantly I will perform my duties to the best of my ability even if my supervisor is an asshole. O.K. I realize that I am using this blog to vent a bit. I believe I am allowed. I got a wrong number today on my cell phone. She sounded official. When she called back again I asked her if somehow she had gotten my name mixed up with another person and did she have a job? I wanted to tell her DON'T HANG UP!! I am worthy to talk to about the position! It was just a wrong number. At that moment I realized that this job search thing was consuming me and that I had to let it go and trust.
Trust that a power much larger than JobDango had my best interests at heart and that all will be as it is meant to be and it will be good, and respectful and fulfilling. Yes, I am worthy.
I was blessed to be fired the day after Christmas. Yea, the day after the holiday that celebrates all that is good in mankind. (Unless Scrooge was your employers idol) I say I was blessed because this job was one of crappier jobs I have endured. I was released and set free. Yay! Broke, worried, and ego slightly bruised but free. I cannot believe that I actually allowed some small minded person to belittle me and treat me disrespectfully for so long.
My days are now spent filling out forms trying to convince someone out there that I AM WORTHY! I am really! I multitask, have an attention to detail, and a sense of humor and most importantly I will perform my duties to the best of my ability even if my supervisor is an asshole. O.K. I realize that I am using this blog to vent a bit. I believe I am allowed. I got a wrong number today on my cell phone. She sounded official. When she called back again I asked her if somehow she had gotten my name mixed up with another person and did she have a job? I wanted to tell her DON'T HANG UP!! I am worthy to talk to about the position! It was just a wrong number. At that moment I realized that this job search thing was consuming me and that I had to let it go and trust.
Trust that a power much larger than JobDango had my best interests at heart and that all will be as it is meant to be and it will be good, and respectful and fulfilling. Yes, I am worthy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
