It's been over THREE months since I've blogged. I'd say nothing has happened over the past three months, but that would be a blatant lie!
I only took one class this semester, but it was a toughy. I gave my final presentation on Thursday night and next Thursday is the last class, which I can just be part of the audience for. Wahoo.
Max has been sick. :( The vet thought he had a UTI, but then another vet at the practice called the UTI symptoms a "red herring" for stomach problems. He had to have a scope to look for foreign bodies. Nothing found except for a very inflamed tummy. He's all drugged up now and out of it.
G, my stepdaughter had surgery a month or so ago and my mom had surgery a few months ago.
Meanwhile, I've neglected communication with friends, others & this blog. Time to get back on the blogwagon!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage
Let it be known right up front that I am not skeptical about marriage. When I met my now husband, I knew that I had found THE person that I wanted to share marriage with. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the well-known Eat, Pray, Love is (or more appropriately, was) the skeptic. I have to say that the topic of Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage, Gilbert's latest book wasn't what enticed me to read it. Plain and simple -- I wanted to know what happened to Gilbert AFTER Eat, Pray, Love. Little did I know that I would find the historical and cultural story of marriage as interesting as I did. What I really found interesting, however, was in Chapter Five -- "Marriage & Women."
On page 185, after reading Gilbert's statement, "...nearly forty year old, feeling no desire whatsoever for a baby of my own" I liked the book even more. For the most part, this is me in a nutshell. (I say "for the most part" because I do have occasional random fleeting desires.) Gilbert goes on to say that this is relevant in her story because marriage and child rearing are so enmeshed in our society.
A few paragraphs later, Gilbert writes the following and when I read it, I realize that I could've written that EXACT same statement, "Moreover, while the vague idea of motherhood had always seemed natural to me, the reality -- as it approached -- only filled me with dread and sorrow." I can't put my feelings into words any better. The thought of having a human life to care for 24 hours per day and guide through life for the next 18 years = walls closing in on me.
When I first got married (6 1/2 years ago), I constantly fielded questions about WHEN I would be having children. (It was a given with those that questioned me that I WOULD have children.) I would then delicately try to explain the concept of that never happening. Most people didn't understand and would just push further. One co-worker said to me during a holiday work party, "C'mon -- you have to try at least one." My reaction? A child is not a piece of candy that I can buy, taste, spit out and throw away if I don't like it.
These questions led to lots of feelings of guilt for me. What is WRONG with me for not wanting children? I felt like the only one I knew that felt this way. Gilbert addresses this on page 190, "All too often, those of us who choose to remain childless are accused of being somehow unwomanly or unnatural or selfish..."
Gilbert then goes on to say that often childless women join the ranks of the "Auntie Brigade" and what a wonderful group they are.
I finished this chapter in the book feeling happy, validated, not so alone. I have two amazing stepchildren who I've been able to watch grow up and develop a relationship with. When I married my husband, I gained eight amazing nieces & nephews (and now even one great-nephew!) My best friends have the cutest kids and even though I don't see them often, I love playing with them and hanging out with them. And when the playing is done and the crying starts, I can get in my car and drive away...
On page 185, after reading Gilbert's statement, "...nearly forty year old, feeling no desire whatsoever for a baby of my own" I liked the book even more. For the most part, this is me in a nutshell. (I say "for the most part" because I do have occasional random fleeting desires.) Gilbert goes on to say that this is relevant in her story because marriage and child rearing are so enmeshed in our society.
A few paragraphs later, Gilbert writes the following and when I read it, I realize that I could've written that EXACT same statement, "Moreover, while the vague idea of motherhood had always seemed natural to me, the reality -- as it approached -- only filled me with dread and sorrow." I can't put my feelings into words any better. The thought of having a human life to care for 24 hours per day and guide through life for the next 18 years = walls closing in on me.
When I first got married (6 1/2 years ago), I constantly fielded questions about WHEN I would be having children. (It was a given with those that questioned me that I WOULD have children.) I would then delicately try to explain the concept of that never happening. Most people didn't understand and would just push further. One co-worker said to me during a holiday work party, "C'mon -- you have to try at least one." My reaction? A child is not a piece of candy that I can buy, taste, spit out and throw away if I don't like it.
These questions led to lots of feelings of guilt for me. What is WRONG with me for not wanting children? I felt like the only one I knew that felt this way. Gilbert addresses this on page 190, "All too often, those of us who choose to remain childless are accused of being somehow unwomanly or unnatural or selfish..."
Gilbert then goes on to say that often childless women join the ranks of the "Auntie Brigade" and what a wonderful group they are.
I finished this chapter in the book feeling happy, validated, not so alone. I have two amazing stepchildren who I've been able to watch grow up and develop a relationship with. When I married my husband, I gained eight amazing nieces & nephews (and now even one great-nephew!) My best friends have the cutest kids and even though I don't see them often, I love playing with them and hanging out with them. And when the playing is done and the crying starts, I can get in my car and drive away...
Saturday, December 12, 2009
I raised the white flag
As I think I've mentioned in this blog before, I don't like to stop reading a book. Even if I don't like it. Well, I decided life's too short and there are too many books to be read.
So, I raised the white flag on Barbara Kingsolver's Lacuna. I read just about half (200 pages) and I was just bored with it. It had its interesting historical fiction aspects, but overall? Dull.
So, now I'm onto Cleaving by Julie Powell of Julie & Julia fame. I seem to have gone from one weird book to another. I like the portions of the story that talk about Julie's life, but the sections that go in depth into butchery? Ehh...I'm all set.
We'll see how long it takes before I raise the white flag on this one...
So, I raised the white flag on Barbara Kingsolver's Lacuna. I read just about half (200 pages) and I was just bored with it. It had its interesting historical fiction aspects, but overall? Dull.
So, now I'm onto Cleaving by Julie Powell of Julie & Julia fame. I seem to have gone from one weird book to another. I like the portions of the story that talk about Julie's life, but the sections that go in depth into butchery? Ehh...I'm all set.
We'll see how long it takes before I raise the white flag on this one...
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Past season Coach pocketbook, oh how I covet thee...
No further words needed. Well, just some luck is needed...I'm hunting it on eBay!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Well hello there, stranger!
So much for blogging everyday about one letter of the alphabet.
So much for November being National Blog Posting Month and some people posting everyday.
So much for changing the "What I'm Reading Now" everytime I pick up a new book. (Although I am updating it now and am excited to get into The Lacuna, Barbara Kingsolver's new book.)
My life has been pretty stressful lately. School. Work. Holidays. I've been bad with keeping in touch with my friends lately, too. Sorry peeps -- you know who you are and you also know how guilty I'm feeling right about now.
HOWEVER...the light at the end of the tunnel is upon me! I've just completed my last assignment for this semester!!!!! Whoo hoo!!!!
I'm sure I'll find some other excuses why I don't blog more frequently, but I'll try not to... See ya 'round.
So much for November being National Blog Posting Month and some people posting everyday.
So much for changing the "What I'm Reading Now" everytime I pick up a new book. (Although I am updating it now and am excited to get into The Lacuna, Barbara Kingsolver's new book.)
My life has been pretty stressful lately. School. Work. Holidays. I've been bad with keeping in touch with my friends lately, too. Sorry peeps -- you know who you are and you also know how guilty I'm feeling right about now.
HOWEVER...the light at the end of the tunnel is upon me! I've just completed my last assignment for this semester!!!!! Whoo hoo!!!!
I'm sure I'll find some other excuses why I don't blog more frequently, but I'll try not to... See ya 'round.
Monday, October 19, 2009
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer.
Those two words can be so powerful & scary. I remember when my sister-in-law told me she had breast cancer. She was crying. My heart was pounding.
I remember when I learned my Grandma was sick with breast cancer. I was young and didn't know what it really meant. I just knew that she wasn't well enough to play Scrabble with me anymore and kept telling me that we'd play when she got better.
I remember when my Mom told me she had breast cancer. A few months after her diagnosis she told me that she hadn't been surprised...in a way she was expecting it. Either I was expecting it or I was just numb and in denial. I didn't cry, but I was afraid.
Both my sister-in-law and my Grandma lost their battle with breast cancer. For my grandma, it was too late once she was diagnosed. She was afraid of doctors and didn't go when she should have. I never got to play Scrabble with her again, but I think of her everytime I do play. My sister-in-law waged her battle for five years. I remember when we first met and became fast friends. She welcomed me into my husband's family and we considered each other sisters. I miss her a lot.
My mom is the lucky one. She's a survivor. And anyone who knows my mom shouldn't be surprised by this. She's small, but she's STRONG.
So, at some point this month, take a few minutes to remember those who have/had breast cancer. If you haven't had a mammogram -- GET ONE!!
Those two words can be so powerful & scary. I remember when my sister-in-law told me she had breast cancer. She was crying. My heart was pounding.
I remember when I learned my Grandma was sick with breast cancer. I was young and didn't know what it really meant. I just knew that she wasn't well enough to play Scrabble with me anymore and kept telling me that we'd play when she got better.
I remember when my Mom told me she had breast cancer. A few months after her diagnosis she told me that she hadn't been surprised...in a way she was expecting it. Either I was expecting it or I was just numb and in denial. I didn't cry, but I was afraid.
Both my sister-in-law and my Grandma lost their battle with breast cancer. For my grandma, it was too late once she was diagnosed. She was afraid of doctors and didn't go when she should have. I never got to play Scrabble with her again, but I think of her everytime I do play. My sister-in-law waged her battle for five years. I remember when we first met and became fast friends. She welcomed me into my husband's family and we considered each other sisters. I miss her a lot.
My mom is the lucky one. She's a survivor. And anyone who knows my mom shouldn't be surprised by this. She's small, but she's STRONG.
So, at some point this month, take a few minutes to remember those who have/had breast cancer. If you haven't had a mammogram -- GET ONE!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
All About "A"
Before I start talking "all about A," I thought I clue you in. In order to try and write more frequently in my blog, I'm going to try to write for 26 days straight, one entry for each letter of the alphabet and how words that begin with it relate to me. OK -- let's get started!
Apples -- I like apples, but I've recently discovered that my favorite kind of apples are Pink Lady ones. I just did a little Wikipedia reading on them (oh...the horrors...don't tell my professors!) and they hail from Australia. Pink Lady is also known as Cripps Pink, which sounds like a female gang to me, so I think I'll still with Pink Lady. Try one -- you'll like it!
Photo courtesy of the Government of Australia.
Aruba -- My FAVORITE Caribbean island. John and I went there on our honeymoon, because we had heard so many good things about it and my parents had gone there on theirs'. It was amazing. I was about to say it's the safest Caribbean island I've ever been to, and it is, although followers of the Natalee Holloway case might disagree. While there, we had amazing food, amazing accommodations, amazing weather, and just an amazing time!
Photo courtesy of the Aruba Tourism Board.
Apples -- I like apples, but I've recently discovered that my favorite kind of apples are Pink Lady ones. I just did a little Wikipedia reading on them (oh...the horrors...don't tell my professors!) and they hail from Australia. Pink Lady is also known as Cripps Pink, which sounds like a female gang to me, so I think I'll still with Pink Lady. Try one -- you'll like it!
Photo courtesy of the Government of Australia.
Aruba -- My FAVORITE Caribbean island. John and I went there on our honeymoon, because we had heard so many good things about it and my parents had gone there on theirs'. It was amazing. I was about to say it's the safest Caribbean island I've ever been to, and it is, although followers of the Natalee Holloway case might disagree. While there, we had amazing food, amazing accommodations, amazing weather, and just an amazing time!
Photo courtesy of the Aruba Tourism Board.
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