Thursday, February 4, 2010
25 RANDOM THINGS
Since I appear to be sharing a bit more of my personal life and making this blog into more of a brain dump, I figured why not share 25 things about me. I'm always intrigued when other bloggers do this sort of thing, and it seems the perfect ending to a morning of losing myself in reading through others blogs etc.
1) Before August of this year, I really really did not like dogs. I could tolerate them but was never a fan of having any near me. Now I can't imagine not having our 2 furry gals to greet me every morning.
2) Besides the fact that my parents produced me, the most influential person in my life was probably my paternal grandfather. Poppa was an incredibly wise and thoughtful man. He had a heart for the world, a passion for education, and a witty humor that he was quick to share with those he held most dear.
3) Ironically, it took Poppa's passing to create a wonderful relationship with my Granny, who I now hold most dear to my heart. Sometimes I think it is our major similarities that made it so difficult for us to get along for many years. I feel so grateful for the incredible relationship and life's lessons that I now share with this woman.
4) Two of my biggest environmental slights are that I eat a banana every morning and I finish every day with a hot shower.
5) I positively love the smell of sheets after they've hung on the line outside--a smell that we don't have due to having the clothesline hidden in the garage.
6) Being from Oregon, I absolutely love the rain...except for now having to wipe the feet of the dogs every time they come back into the house.
7) The colors purple and green together make my stomach curdle.
8) I am the youngest of 4 kids with 13 years between my eldest sibling and myself. I love my siblings dearly even though we're about as diverse in our viewpoints and choices as you can get.
9) I'm pretty sure I'm addicted to education. I used to think it was weird when people had 5 different degrees w/in their lifetime....but now I'm pretty sure I'll have at least 4 before I die.
10) I don't believe that formalized education deserves the current weight and status that its given however. I think there is a lot to be said for life experience, on the job training, and self-instruction. Having the degree means nothing.
11) My two best friends are both people that I strongly disliked at one point or another.
12) Whenever I have to stand in front of a crowd, I never know what to do with my hands if I have nothing that I'm holding. So I usually do one of the following: cross my arms on my chest, put my hands on my hips, or pop my knuckles. The first two I'm sure do wonders for making me seem approachable! ;-)
13) I love to read but it has to be completely silent for me to retain information. Even then I will never have very good recall in life.
14) I never in a million years thought that this would be the life I'm living, yet in most moments I feel that its playing out exactly as it should.....
15) I'm considering piercing my nose. Just one of those little faux diamond studs. But I can't decide which side it should be on.
16) I'm an avid night-time dreamer and they're usually pretty interesting. In the last 6 months I constantly dream about people I know, whereas before then it was rare to see a familiar face in my dreams.
17) I believe in international travel where tourists attempt to become part of the culture rather than take advantage of it. As horrible as major travel is for the environment, I am hopeful that eventually the husband and I will be able to make travel a more regular part of our life and be able to participate in humanitarian trips as well.
18) I have had the wonderful fortune of living abroad twice (my family was stationed in the Philippines when I was a young child and I was a Rotary Exchange student for a year to Argentina) and spent six weeks of college in London. Thus I would say that my number one passion is culture. I absolutely love learning about people.
19) Since I was 3 I have always lived within a couple hours drive from a coast. I love the beach and sometimes wish that I would have followed through with a marine biology major.
20) I'm not a big fan of attending life change celebrations. I've always felt uncomfortable at weddings and I hate attending baby showers cause it means I have to hold my public health lectures in check.
21) Non-professionally, I wear my heart on my sleeve. This means I'm sensitive and can be easily riled at times. It also means that in my personal life, you can almost always read the expression on my face.
22) I'm a fruit addict also (who has never had digestion problems with this either). I seriously can't imagine going more than a day without fruit and by the end of fruitless day one I'm craving it anyway.
23) I have a competitive spirit but I hate to compete. I was the girl in high school who played sports just for fun and to be physically active. I never understood/stand when people get bent out of shape about sports.
24) I love seagulls. Most other people find them annoying...I am amazed at their determination. Plus they always get to live by water and you almost always seem them in a pack.
25) I'm not one of those people who ever really follows Hollywood and it drives me crazy when that's what a lot of people choose to talk about....but secretly I've always wanted to be a lil bit like Angelina Jolie w/o the super skinny part, being a husband stealer, and someone else raising my kids.. BUT I've always appreciated her role w/ UN Humanitarian aid and her commitment to international adoption...and the fact that like most of us she's just a lil bit crazy.
1) Before August of this year, I really really did not like dogs. I could tolerate them but was never a fan of having any near me. Now I can't imagine not having our 2 furry gals to greet me every morning.
2) Besides the fact that my parents produced me, the most influential person in my life was probably my paternal grandfather. Poppa was an incredibly wise and thoughtful man. He had a heart for the world, a passion for education, and a witty humor that he was quick to share with those he held most dear.
3) Ironically, it took Poppa's passing to create a wonderful relationship with my Granny, who I now hold most dear to my heart. Sometimes I think it is our major similarities that made it so difficult for us to get along for many years. I feel so grateful for the incredible relationship and life's lessons that I now share with this woman.
4) Two of my biggest environmental slights are that I eat a banana every morning and I finish every day with a hot shower.
5) I positively love the smell of sheets after they've hung on the line outside--a smell that we don't have due to having the clothesline hidden in the garage.
6) Being from Oregon, I absolutely love the rain...except for now having to wipe the feet of the dogs every time they come back into the house.
7) The colors purple and green together make my stomach curdle.
8) I am the youngest of 4 kids with 13 years between my eldest sibling and myself. I love my siblings dearly even though we're about as diverse in our viewpoints and choices as you can get.
9) I'm pretty sure I'm addicted to education. I used to think it was weird when people had 5 different degrees w/in their lifetime....but now I'm pretty sure I'll have at least 4 before I die.
10) I don't believe that formalized education deserves the current weight and status that its given however. I think there is a lot to be said for life experience, on the job training, and self-instruction. Having the degree means nothing.
11) My two best friends are both people that I strongly disliked at one point or another.
12) Whenever I have to stand in front of a crowd, I never know what to do with my hands if I have nothing that I'm holding. So I usually do one of the following: cross my arms on my chest, put my hands on my hips, or pop my knuckles. The first two I'm sure do wonders for making me seem approachable! ;-)
13) I love to read but it has to be completely silent for me to retain information. Even then I will never have very good recall in life.
14) I never in a million years thought that this would be the life I'm living, yet in most moments I feel that its playing out exactly as it should.....
15) I'm considering piercing my nose. Just one of those little faux diamond studs. But I can't decide which side it should be on.
16) I'm an avid night-time dreamer and they're usually pretty interesting. In the last 6 months I constantly dream about people I know, whereas before then it was rare to see a familiar face in my dreams.
17) I believe in international travel where tourists attempt to become part of the culture rather than take advantage of it. As horrible as major travel is for the environment, I am hopeful that eventually the husband and I will be able to make travel a more regular part of our life and be able to participate in humanitarian trips as well.
18) I have had the wonderful fortune of living abroad twice (my family was stationed in the Philippines when I was a young child and I was a Rotary Exchange student for a year to Argentina) and spent six weeks of college in London. Thus I would say that my number one passion is culture. I absolutely love learning about people.
19) Since I was 3 I have always lived within a couple hours drive from a coast. I love the beach and sometimes wish that I would have followed through with a marine biology major.
20) I'm not a big fan of attending life change celebrations. I've always felt uncomfortable at weddings and I hate attending baby showers cause it means I have to hold my public health lectures in check.
21) Non-professionally, I wear my heart on my sleeve. This means I'm sensitive and can be easily riled at times. It also means that in my personal life, you can almost always read the expression on my face.
22) I'm a fruit addict also (who has never had digestion problems with this either). I seriously can't imagine going more than a day without fruit and by the end of fruitless day one I'm craving it anyway.
23) I have a competitive spirit but I hate to compete. I was the girl in high school who played sports just for fun and to be physically active. I never understood/stand when people get bent out of shape about sports.
24) I love seagulls. Most other people find them annoying...I am amazed at their determination. Plus they always get to live by water and you almost always seem them in a pack.
25) I'm not one of those people who ever really follows Hollywood and it drives me crazy when that's what a lot of people choose to talk about....but secretly I've always wanted to be a lil bit like Angelina Jolie w/o the super skinny part, being a husband stealer, and someone else raising my kids.. BUT I've always appreciated her role w/ UN Humanitarian aid and her commitment to international adoption...and the fact that like most of us she's just a lil bit crazy.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Photo Project Day 3: Follower
Today is two-for-one, but both demonstrate the relationship of our animals. The first is a picture of Major following the dogs and I out to the field where we let the dogs run off the leash. "His" woods are in the back ground of both photos. We've recently started letting him be an outside cat except for when he wants in, and he loves the big patch of woods across the street from our backyard. He spends hours out there and apparently he's made friends! (The husband saw him with another cat this morning.)
The second picture is of Anna and Roxi watching Major as he enters into his woods. Both girls love Major (maybe a little too much sometimes....) and always anxiously watch his approach and leaving through the chain length fence. When Major feels like its payback time for the overabundance of love that they bestow upon him, he likes to walk along the fence just outside their reach. Thus they each gets turns being both follower and leader.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Photo Project Day 2: Expansion
Additional thought: I'm so completely glad I found the library on post. One nice perk of the military library is that they can interlibrary loan any book I want to read from any other library in the nation. So at least some of your tax dollars are going to a good cause!! ;-)
Monday, February 1, 2010
February Photo Project
At the very end of December I checked in on Sara over at Walk Slowly, Live Wildly and discovered that she was just wrapping up a month of daily photos. She was participating in the December Photo Project hosted by View From the Prairie Box. I thought it was a wonderful idea to demonstrate a snap shot from each day and summarize it with a word or two. Thus since I missed the concept in December, I've been holding off to attempt my own lil' month of photos and with February being the shortest month... ;-)
My intent is to take a variety of pictures throughout each day and choose one to post in the evenings. Some days there may be a paragraph about the photo, other days I'll just leave it with one word of what that photo summarizes for me. At the very least, I'll be accountable for actually posting every day! ;-)
So here is today's photo:
Word: HOPE
We've definitely had our struggles with how to "parent" our newest addition and how to get her to keep from having piddling and peeing accidents on the floors. She is such an unusual looking animal, but the minute you spend any quality time with her you can't help but love her. She is the ultimate loving animal and will cover any kind soul in kisses. With her personality and sad background, I can't help but dearly love this gal no matter how frustrating the individual behavior. So today's word is HOPE. Hope that we can help train each other and hope that Roxi continues to love and trust us as her future with us progresses.
Over the last few days I've also reflected upon the hope and joy that our animals bring me. When I was unemployed, they gave me a set routine I had to follow. They provide me with an outlet for additional love I have to give and give back love in so many ways. Some moments there is nothing quite as satisfying as Major purring upon my lap or Anna & Roxi's initial tail-wagging when one of us first walks in the house. In the happy moments, they join in and during the difficult moments they provide hope for tomorrow. Aren't pets grand?!
My intent is to take a variety of pictures throughout each day and choose one to post in the evenings. Some days there may be a paragraph about the photo, other days I'll just leave it with one word of what that photo summarizes for me. At the very least, I'll be accountable for actually posting every day! ;-)
So here is today's photo:
We've definitely had our struggles with how to "parent" our newest addition and how to get her to keep from having piddling and peeing accidents on the floors. She is such an unusual looking animal, but the minute you spend any quality time with her you can't help but love her. She is the ultimate loving animal and will cover any kind soul in kisses. With her personality and sad background, I can't help but dearly love this gal no matter how frustrating the individual behavior. So today's word is HOPE. Hope that we can help train each other and hope that Roxi continues to love and trust us as her future with us progresses.
Over the last few days I've also reflected upon the hope and joy that our animals bring me. When I was unemployed, they gave me a set routine I had to follow. They provide me with an outlet for additional love I have to give and give back love in so many ways. Some moments there is nothing quite as satisfying as Major purring upon my lap or Anna & Roxi's initial tail-wagging when one of us first walks in the house. In the happy moments, they join in and during the difficult moments they provide hope for tomorrow. Aren't pets grand?!
Three Years Later...
Last night I watched the movie Blood Diamond again. It was the first time I'd seen it since watching it in the theatres. This is the movie that changed my life, changed my choices, and changed my mind upon that first viewing. I still vividly remember coming home to my parent's place after the movie and crying my eyes out at the injustices that exist in the world. That movie was the catalyst for my interest in the simplicity movement. The rest of that year included considerably down sizing my possessions to only what was needed, donating time and money where I could to those in need, and avoiding anything that appeared to be a waste of money, time, and/or mental energy (things that represented to me a continuation of the injustices of the world). It also was the year that I read an incredible amount of books with social justice, environmental, and simplicity based themes. And it was the year that I finally read through the entire Bible.
There has been a lot of talk lately on blog land about whether or not living a more enviro-simple existence is in itself a religious, philosophical undertaking. For me, my political and social views come directly from my interpretation of what Christianity is supposed to be, and those views only became more solid as a direct result of reading the Bible. I recognize that the world is an entirely diverse place and that we've created a government and economic system that does not work very easily in conjunction with the principles of Christianity. But regardless, my political and social mindset is more of the "give freely to the poor, don't save up riches for yourself, God should come first, and put all your neighbors before yourself." Throw in there some "as Christians we are to be stewards of the earth and of each other" and the concept of "LOVE not judgement", and you've pretty much got my beliefs in a nutshell. Although I still struggle in my own daily demonstrations of this as well.
So come back to the present, where although I have the same mindframe, I had wondered how much my recent transitions and adjustments would impact my reactions to the movie. (One more side note: The first time I had watched this movie, I was appalled by the journalist's ability to re-integrate into sipping lattes back in the US.....who would waste $4 on a cup of coffee when peoples arms were being cut off?!) In all honesty, I still cried during the movie in regards to greed, political corruption, human suffering, and the reality that so many in the "developed" world really just don't care. But this time, I also ended the movie feeling a bit more hopeful than last. Although fictional and Hollywood based, I was moved by the ability of Leo's character to put a family's happiness before his own life, and I recognized that this movie did open the eyes of many in the developed world...even if for just a moment.
However I did note how like the journalist I have become.....aware of and appalled by many of the injustices of the world but back to purchasing that occasional $4 cup of coffee or that cheap pair of Target earrings. I still don't know in my heart whether or not this is the "right" life to live, but somehow it's a bit easier to be back closer to some aspects of the mainstream. (Although ironically in many ways, I was the most at peace with myself during that initial year of simplicity & anti-materialism than I ever have been.) So somehow I feel myself in the same conumdrum as many.....still integrated in Western society w/ vehicles in the garage, a warm house for our families, and a pot of coffee near the stove....but maybe wondering in my heart whether or not this is really the right way to live yet unsure of how to be both inside & outside the mainstream. Ironically last time I watched the movie, I went through all my belongings and donated anything I didn't need or actively use to others who could use those things. This time as I watched the film and I reflected on that prior choice, I realized that almost all of what my husband and I do have.....we use. Sure we have a few extra books on our shelves, but for the most part all our kitchen appliances get used, our linens get used, our candles get used, the stuff in our garage gets used....and at the very least, that was something I felt glad about.
With this first paycheck though, I do plan on getting back in the habit of financially giving. Thus I'll be sending a check in support of Haiti and one in support of Dinner & A Movie which provides services to the large street youth population in Portland. During my initial conversation with my husband about Haiti, I was a little nervous of his potential response, especially since there's been a lot of Facebook talk from the more conservative side about providing for others globally rather than here at home. My hope for both sides soared however when my husband responsed that its great that people are giving to Haiti, but wondered why we're continuing to turn a blind eye to Africa. My solution is..... let's provide where and how we can. As one of the richest nations in the world, let's forgo 5 lattes and send the money to others with no roof, no food, no water, and limited clothes...regardless of whether they're located here or anywhere. Let's give because we're human and because we can (but don't want to) imagine what it must be like to be in another individual's shoes. Let's give because we can. I like to believe that we each should look out for our fellow human regardless..... I recognize that I continue to be an idealist in a realist world, but all I can do is hope...
There has been a lot of talk lately on blog land about whether or not living a more enviro-simple existence is in itself a religious, philosophical undertaking. For me, my political and social views come directly from my interpretation of what Christianity is supposed to be, and those views only became more solid as a direct result of reading the Bible. I recognize that the world is an entirely diverse place and that we've created a government and economic system that does not work very easily in conjunction with the principles of Christianity. But regardless, my political and social mindset is more of the "give freely to the poor, don't save up riches for yourself, God should come first, and put all your neighbors before yourself." Throw in there some "as Christians we are to be stewards of the earth and of each other" and the concept of "LOVE not judgement", and you've pretty much got my beliefs in a nutshell. Although I still struggle in my own daily demonstrations of this as well.
So come back to the present, where although I have the same mindframe, I had wondered how much my recent transitions and adjustments would impact my reactions to the movie. (One more side note: The first time I had watched this movie, I was appalled by the journalist's ability to re-integrate into sipping lattes back in the US.....who would waste $4 on a cup of coffee when peoples arms were being cut off?!) In all honesty, I still cried during the movie in regards to greed, political corruption, human suffering, and the reality that so many in the "developed" world really just don't care. But this time, I also ended the movie feeling a bit more hopeful than last. Although fictional and Hollywood based, I was moved by the ability of Leo's character to put a family's happiness before his own life, and I recognized that this movie did open the eyes of many in the developed world...even if for just a moment.
However I did note how like the journalist I have become.....aware of and appalled by many of the injustices of the world but back to purchasing that occasional $4 cup of coffee or that cheap pair of Target earrings. I still don't know in my heart whether or not this is the "right" life to live, but somehow it's a bit easier to be back closer to some aspects of the mainstream. (Although ironically in many ways, I was the most at peace with myself during that initial year of simplicity & anti-materialism than I ever have been.) So somehow I feel myself in the same conumdrum as many.....still integrated in Western society w/ vehicles in the garage, a warm house for our families, and a pot of coffee near the stove....but maybe wondering in my heart whether or not this is really the right way to live yet unsure of how to be both inside & outside the mainstream. Ironically last time I watched the movie, I went through all my belongings and donated anything I didn't need or actively use to others who could use those things. This time as I watched the film and I reflected on that prior choice, I realized that almost all of what my husband and I do have.....we use. Sure we have a few extra books on our shelves, but for the most part all our kitchen appliances get used, our linens get used, our candles get used, the stuff in our garage gets used....and at the very least, that was something I felt glad about.
With this first paycheck though, I do plan on getting back in the habit of financially giving. Thus I'll be sending a check in support of Haiti and one in support of Dinner & A Movie which provides services to the large street youth population in Portland. During my initial conversation with my husband about Haiti, I was a little nervous of his potential response, especially since there's been a lot of Facebook talk from the more conservative side about providing for others globally rather than here at home. My hope for both sides soared however when my husband responsed that its great that people are giving to Haiti, but wondered why we're continuing to turn a blind eye to Africa. My solution is..... let's provide where and how we can. As one of the richest nations in the world, let's forgo 5 lattes and send the money to others with no roof, no food, no water, and limited clothes...regardless of whether they're located here or anywhere. Let's give because we're human and because we can (but don't want to) imagine what it must be like to be in another individual's shoes. Let's give because we can. I like to believe that we each should look out for our fellow human regardless..... I recognize that I continue to be an idealist in a realist world, but all I can do is hope...
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