A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Meat Department

On Friday night Bill was DJing a party at Gateway so I was just tooling about. One of the place I tooled to was Shop n Save. While walking through the produce section I saw a guy with a messenger bag hanging across his shoulder... not so unusual. But on the messenger bag was a picture of George W Trippon with the words "Sew Whats New". Of course, I had to ask. Maybe I should back up. For those of you who don't know (and shame on you), Mr Trippon was the host of a sewing show, "Sew What's New", that was,probably, made in the late 70s or early 80's. It aired on public TV here in the 'burgh in the 80s. I watched it when I was home from school. And it was hilarious! Turns out that Bill watched it too. We would talk about it from time to time and repeat the "catch phrases -- "please" and "thank you". I thought we were the only two people who knew about this funny & quirky guy.

Now, back to the story. This guy actually met and got to know George. How cool is that? He told me a story or two that made me laugh out loud.

A chance meeting that made my night. Now go meet George W Trippon courtesy of my new acquaintance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RfirsJlfxQ

Thank You

We can all think of instances of police brutality .. and corruption. There are plenty of times when the police are dead wrong. But now three of ours are simply dead. Killed in the line of duty. Lured to their deaths perhaps. So today all I can think of is the bravery of these men and women in uniform.. They are willing to put their lives on the line .. for us. Can't say that I am willing to do that. Their families posses a strength that I lack as well. If it were Bill out there every day the fear would overwhelm me.Simply put, I do not think I could do it.

To all those who serve and protect us.. thank you.

Do Not Despair

The world can be a discouraging place. Just look around. This past week alone could make the most optimistic of us despair. The massacre in New York and the slaying of 3 police officers less than 2 miles from where I sit. And the "younger generation" often fills me with dread for the future. Their self -centeredness and lack of awareness seems so apparent. But then something remarkable happens and I am filled with hope.

That something happened last night. For the fourth year in a row, Bill and I attended the Best Buddies Ball. Bill as the DJ and me as his "assistant." Best Buddies is a wonderful organization that promotes friendships between individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. Watching this group of "best buddies" dance, laugh and create memories together was inspiring. They know something the world often forgets. That despite our outward, and often profound, differences, we are bound together by our common humanity. These young people are the change we need to see in the world.

Do not despair ...

Wallow, Wallow, Wallow

I take everything to heart and wear my heart on my sleeve. In other words, I am sensitive. On top of that I think everything is my fault and that the slightest transgression will cause those I care about to flee. In the past few days I have done things that I fear will cause my husband to leave and he has done things (which of course I think reflect on me) that fill me with dread that friends will avoid me. And because of our relationship I discussed this all with Bill. He tells me that I feel that I am not enough. Meaning that unless I please everyone, and never cause any waves, I worry that they will go away. I can no longer blame my father, or mother or the alcoholic house (thanks Uncle Jimmy) in which I grew up. So instead .. wallow, wallow, wallow!

Learning my lesson

At my desk, here at work, I have a quote posted that reads "And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should." I posted it after a particularly trying time and try to read it every day. But often I get too wrapped up in my latest concern and forget. I did that this past week. I was stressing and wondering how things would work out. An unexpected turn of events relieved the aforementioned stress. Once again, I understand the philosophy of trust. But, I won't say its forever because I don't think I am ready to learn my lesson just yet.

Spring

Spring has sprung. At least it has in my sinuses.If I stop typing it is because my eyes have shot out and splattered against the screen.

Troubled

I have been so troubled by a recent story here in Pittsburgh. For those of you who are not here, an eleven year old boy shot his pregnant step mother (or is it his dad's girlfriend) in the back of the head while she is sleeping and then went to school. Scary, awful stuff. But what really has me going is the treatment of this child. Yes, child, for that's what he is.

The district attorney is trying him as an adult. As a fully grown, capable of adult thought processes. No matter how"adult" his actions were he is not an adult. Can not reason like an adult, can not see consequences like an adult. Can not be expected to be an adult. At age 11, the state is telling this boy that he is done. His life is set. Madness.

And the media is flashing his photo like he won some contest. Show some decency. Show some humanity. Appaling.

What if this were your child? What treatment would you want?

I am quite sure this would not be it.

Love

I am a huge fan of love.

Not the fake Lifetime movie love. I have never been that sort of girl. And because of this I am often misread as being down on Valentines Day or love in general. Au contraire

The love I get weak in the knees for is of the 1st Corinithians variety.I know that love can transform, I have seen it . And felt it. I am not quite sure how he did it but Pachelbel captured this love so perfectly it can bring me to tears.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Phoof!

That's the sound of me blowing away the cobwebs. I really need to post something and I will .. soon!

Time has come

Today was, as you well know, an historical day. It is much bigger than any words that I can write.

Today the pride I have always had for this country was, once again, justified. What I have always loved most was not what the country was, but what it could be. What the founding fathers, despite all their failings, envisioned.

Today we showed the world that we are what they once thought us to be. A place where anything is possible. A place that truly believes all men are created equal. A place where, though we are many, we are one.

I have many thoughts about why this particular man was able to do this at this particular time, but that can wait for another day. Today I just want to be proud.

Keeping Going

I went walking (with weights) again tonight. I didn't want to go, but I did it anyway. I am so glad I did. Once I got into a rhythm it wasn't bad at all. In fact it was fun. And relaxing. It was kind of like meditating. I am looking forward to doing it again tomorrow.

I am hoping that this exercise thing we allow me to gain control of at least one aspect of my life. I desperately need that feeling of control somewhere. Concerns about my mother,finances, and "my place in the world" have been dragging me down. When I feel better about myself physically I will be better able to deal with all that other stuff, right?

Keeping With It

I decided to start getting in better shape. I am tried of feeling weighed down. By most standards I am not a heavy person but I just don't like how I feel.

I LOVE to eat! Make that L-O-V-E to eat. For the most part I eat pretty healthfully, but I am not one to deny myself so the weight loss (or rather better fitness) is not going to come from any big changes in my diet. That means getting a move on. I already walk about 10 miles a week to and from work. That's not counting the walking I do at work. But its not enough. So I bought some hand weights and some new shoes. So far so good. I am hoping this blog will keep me accountable. Maybe I will even buy a swimsuit this summer!

Happy New Year's

Good riddance to 2008. What a stinker of a year. Some good things did happen -- I reconnected with some old friends, I started to get a bit more organized , and Bill and I realized we can survive just about anything. But all, in all, I am happy the year is over.

I have high hopes for '09. Although some issues with my mom are making me wonder. I am trying not to overreact. I am hoping its something as simple as medication. This was the case in the past. But I can't get the "A" word out of my mind. A discussion with my cousin got me started. By all accounts she, too, is an "overreactor." A family trait.

Are optimism and concern compatible? In a fresh new year they are.