Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Learning Curve. . .
Burning your tongue on your morning coffee should be considered just cause for heading back to bed. Then again, it happens to me so often that it may be more of a sign that I'm an idiot than it is a precursor to a bad day.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Bridging Science and Religion. . .
Adam: What happens if the weatherman is sick?
Me: What do you mean?
Adam: If the weatherman is sick how does the weather happen?
Me: Oh, well the weatherman doesn't actually make the weather happen. He is a scientist that looks at maps and pictures and then tells us what the weather will be like.
Adam: No, the weatherman sends a code to God and then God pushes a button to make the weather happen. So what happens if the weatherman is sick?
Me: I guess God would just have to handle things on his own for a day.
Me: What do you mean?
Adam: If the weatherman is sick how does the weather happen?
Me: Oh, well the weatherman doesn't actually make the weather happen. He is a scientist that looks at maps and pictures and then tells us what the weather will be like.
Adam: No, the weatherman sends a code to God and then God pushes a button to make the weather happen. So what happens if the weatherman is sick?
Me: I guess God would just have to handle things on his own for a day.
Step One. . .
This quote by Gandhi was part of Dalai Mama's latest blog at Wondertime. It supports my belief that if children grow up healthy and fed and loved, it is much less probable that hate will take root in their hearts.
"If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children; and if they will grow up in their natural innocence, we won't have to struggle, we won't have to pass fruitless idle resolutions, but we shall go from love to love and peace to peace until at last all the corners of the world are covered with that peace and love for which consciously or unconsciously the whole world is hungering." - Gandhi, quoted in the book Above All, Be Kind.
"If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children; and if they will grow up in their natural innocence, we won't have to struggle, we won't have to pass fruitless idle resolutions, but we shall go from love to love and peace to peace until at last all the corners of the world are covered with that peace and love for which consciously or unconsciously the whole world is hungering." - Gandhi, quoted in the book Above All, Be Kind.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunshine On My Shoulders. . . .
Finally, the persistant rain - and the unusually piercing cold - stopped long enough for us to venture outside this past weekend. We bared our arms in short-sleeve shirts and dug out the 
sunglasses from the "Summer" box at the top of the bedroom closet and set out for the Portland Saturday Market. It's embarrasing to admit, but I've lived here ten years and this was our first visit. We waded through the crowds checking 
out the variety of wares (and people) and gorged ourselves on a plethora of fair food including the sweet goodness of fresh kettle corn. Adam was amazed by the street performer especially the one juggling knives. . . . "Oh my gosh, that is sooo dangerous!"
sunglasses from the "Summer" box at the top of the bedroom closet and set out for the Portland Saturday Market. It's embarrasing to admit, but I've lived here ten years and this was our first visit. We waded through the crowds checking 
out the variety of wares (and people) and gorged ourselves on a plethora of fair food including the sweet goodness of fresh kettle corn. Adam was amazed by the street performer especially the one juggling knives. . . . "Oh my gosh, that is sooo dangerous!" It's afternoons like this that get you through another long set of rainy days that lie ahead. Well, this and the costco travel magazine.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sleep Monster. . .
We recently moved Jamie into her “big girl bed” and at first she seemed to take to it rather well. She might get up a couple of times right after we leave her room and occasionally would cry for a few minutes, but compared to the year-long hurricane of frustration we experienced with Adam, she was a breeze. Was. Jamie has now changed tactics and is taking more of a “Gitmo” approach to parental frustration. . . . sleep deprivation. 
As I said, she goes to sleep relatively easily and her peaceful face and deep breathing lures one into believing all is settled for a night of restful bliss. That is, until somewhere around 1:00am when something silent and looming draws you from your deepest sleep. There is no obvious reason for your awakening; no crying, no scrambling on to the bed, but there is something. Something is in the room with you. And as you become fully conscious to the point of opening your eyes you see it; standing there face to face with you in the dark, its eyes mere inches from yours glinting green from the reflection of the digital alarm clock. And as you fight to slow your startled heart, it speaks a single monotone word. “Hello?” You close your eyes in a feeble attempt to make it disappear, but there is no use. It is already patting your face with a clammy hand requesting, “Up”. So you drag your lifeless limbs from the comforts of your bed and lead it back to its own domain to sit and wait door side, head bobbing into uncontrollable sleep until its god-awful wailing turns into simple stirring and you can be sure that it’s safe to return to bed. . . . at least for a couple more hours.
This has gone on for days now, sometimes several times a night; sometimes at the five o’clock hour when you are miserably aware there is no possibility of her – or you - returning to sleep. It is at this hour that you then must play with her until the rest of the family rises and there is another adult with which to project your foul and sleep-deprived attitude upon.
I know all the new mothers I’m friends with are reading this and shaking their heads at how pathetically out of shape I am at this all night thing, but to all of you I say, SUCK IT! . . . . and go get me a Starbucks double-shot. I've done my time and now I want to go to sleep.
As I said, she goes to sleep relatively easily and her peaceful face and deep breathing lures one into believing all is settled for a night of restful bliss. That is, until somewhere around 1:00am when something silent and looming draws you from your deepest sleep. There is no obvious reason for your awakening; no crying, no scrambling on to the bed, but there is something. Something is in the room with you. And as you become fully conscious to the point of opening your eyes you see it; standing there face to face with you in the dark, its eyes mere inches from yours glinting green from the reflection of the digital alarm clock. And as you fight to slow your startled heart, it speaks a single monotone word. “Hello?” You close your eyes in a feeble attempt to make it disappear, but there is no use. It is already patting your face with a clammy hand requesting, “Up”. So you drag your lifeless limbs from the comforts of your bed and lead it back to its own domain to sit and wait door side, head bobbing into uncontrollable sleep until its god-awful wailing turns into simple stirring and you can be sure that it’s safe to return to bed. . . . at least for a couple more hours.
This has gone on for days now, sometimes several times a night; sometimes at the five o’clock hour when you are miserably aware there is no possibility of her – or you - returning to sleep. It is at this hour that you then must play with her until the rest of the family rises and there is another adult with which to project your foul and sleep-deprived attitude upon.
I know all the new mothers I’m friends with are reading this and shaking their heads at how pathetically out of shape I am at this all night thing, but to all of you I say, SUCK IT! . . . . and go get me a Starbucks double-shot. I've done my time and now I want to go to sleep.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Things I Love. . .
I could pretend that I’m trying to pass on some kind of great wisdom or fabulousness ala Oprah, but honestly, I just figured showcasing things I’ve found, love and/or can’t do without would be good filler when I don’t have anything else to write about. And who knows, maybe you’ll find something you’ll end up loving as well. Just don’t expect to look under your chair and find said item tied up with a big red bow.
So here it is: the first installment of The Things I Love. . . . I found this tea while rummaging in the break room at my office for something besides the usual offering of black sludge to stop the caffiene-deficient-induced cramps that were reducing my brain to the size of a small walnut. I was so pleasantly surprised that it has become a regular beverage of mine when the morning allows no time for a stop at Starbucks. It is sweet and spicy in just the right capacity which can be heightened even more by a splash of creamer. But I usually forgo that luxury not because of the added calories but because the only creamer available at work is the kind in the little individual plastic cups and there is something scary about creamer that can be kept at room temperature without curdling right there on the counter. But I digress.
This tea can usually be found in any regular grocery store, but if not can be ordered online at www.stashtea.com. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Getting The Most for our Pre-K Buck. . .
This morning while still snuggling in bed with Adam. . .
“So what did you learn for Kids Around The World Week yesterday at school?”
“We learned about Germany.”
“Oh, cool. What did you learn about Germany?”
“We learned that Germany used to be bad because they had a leader that was wrong so the Americans had to go and do a battle with them and the Americans won because they were stronger and now Germany is good.”
“Oh.”
“So what did you learn for Kids Around The World Week yesterday at school?”
“We learned about Germany.”
“Oh, cool. What did you learn about Germany?”
“We learned that Germany used to be bad because they had a leader that was wrong so the Americans had to go and do a battle with them and the Americans won because they were stronger and now Germany is good.”
“Oh.”
Monday, April 14, 2008
Little Signs You're Doing Something Right. . .
Our recent spot of fabulous weather encouraged me to delve into the summer leftovers of kid’s clothes this weekend to see what still fits or what can be handed down. I love doing this. Between the hand-me-downs we get and our off-season clearance sale purchases, it's part rummage sale, part nostalgia – two of my great weaknesses.
As I dug through the large Rubbermaid tubs labeled “Big Clothes” I came across a T-shirt with “FOR SALE, My Sister” printed in a large, garage sale-type sign across the chest. Someone bought this for Adam when Jamie was born and being that it was a size 4/5, I had held onto it waiting for it to fit. It was still a tad on the large side but held it up to show Adam, reading to him what it said.
He just stared at me for a second and then said, “Why would a shirt say that?”
Obviously he didn’t understand so I tried to explain the joke. “You know how sometimes Jamie is really bugging you and you just want her to go away and leave you alone? Well, this is just a silly way of saying that. Its just pretend that you’d like to sell her so she can’t bug you anymore.”
He stared at me again, blinking, and then said, “Well, even when she’s bugging me I still love her.”
Of course. It’s moments like these that make up for all the times they crap in their pants.
As I dug through the large Rubbermaid tubs labeled “Big Clothes” I came across a T-shirt with “FOR SALE, My Sister” printed in a large, garage sale-type sign across the chest. Someone bought this for Adam when Jamie was born and being that it was a size 4/5, I had held onto it waiting for it to fit. It was still a tad on the large side but held it up to show Adam, reading to him what it said.
He just stared at me for a second and then said, “Why would a shirt say that?”
Obviously he didn’t understand so I tried to explain the joke. “You know how sometimes Jamie is really bugging you and you just want her to go away and leave you alone? Well, this is just a silly way of saying that. Its just pretend that you’d like to sell her so she can’t bug you anymore.”
He stared at me again, blinking, and then said, “Well, even when she’s bugging me I still love her.”
Of course. It’s moments like these that make up for all the times they crap in their pants.
Now With Less Commitment. . .
For those of you that may have been holding back comments because my blog required you to have a Google account to post, I say to you . . . . . "Be Free!" You can now comment annonymously until your heart's content. Please.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Archival Purge #2
Another little gem from the archives of my hard drive. This one a short piece I wrote for an online writing contest about the feelings of an inanimate object. Needless to say, I didn't win.
My dearest love,
Where did I go wrong? When did you stop needing me? When did you stop loving me? I once had all the answers, but now my heart is filled only with questions as to why we’ve parted ways. I thought I was everything to you. Was I not?
When you needed a plumber at 2am did I not have a name at the ready? When you couldn’t reach that last box of double-fudge brownies on the top shelf, did I not lay down at your feet? Did I not allow your endless, infantile doodling to tattoo my cover? And who, who, took the hit each time an insect dared to travel your walls? It was me. Every time, it was me. I’m the one that found your new gynecologist; I’m the one that knew who to call to when the car wouldn’t start and I’m the one that knows the number to your favorite Chinese take-out by heart, but apparently none of this matters anymore.
I’ve heard the whispers, the rumors. You’ve found some one new. Someone that isn’t so thick around the middle, that’s a little more portable. Yeah, I know I’m looking a little worn; a little tattered around the edges, but who wouldn’t after years of undying servitude? You gave me these creases, this wrinkled spine and now you’ve moved on. On to someone sleek and shiny who can give you answers at the push of a button. Well let me ask you this, you heartless wench, where will you be when the power goes out? Who will save you when your online sweetheart takes a dive? Don’t look at me. Your fingers have done the walking for the last time. I’ve done my duty and now I’m out of here. There was a time I would have burned my own pages just to warm your hands, but those days are gone. I will no longer allow myself to be used like an old phone book. I have more dignity than that.
Good luck in finding whatever it is you’re searching for out there. You’ll never find another love like mine. Never.
No longer your slave,
Dex
My dearest love,
Where did I go wrong? When did you stop needing me? When did you stop loving me? I once had all the answers, but now my heart is filled only with questions as to why we’ve parted ways. I thought I was everything to you. Was I not?
When you needed a plumber at 2am did I not have a name at the ready? When you couldn’t reach that last box of double-fudge brownies on the top shelf, did I not lay down at your feet? Did I not allow your endless, infantile doodling to tattoo my cover? And who, who, took the hit each time an insect dared to travel your walls? It was me. Every time, it was me. I’m the one that found your new gynecologist; I’m the one that knew who to call to when the car wouldn’t start and I’m the one that knows the number to your favorite Chinese take-out by heart, but apparently none of this matters anymore.
I’ve heard the whispers, the rumors. You’ve found some one new. Someone that isn’t so thick around the middle, that’s a little more portable. Yeah, I know I’m looking a little worn; a little tattered around the edges, but who wouldn’t after years of undying servitude? You gave me these creases, this wrinkled spine and now you’ve moved on. On to someone sleek and shiny who can give you answers at the push of a button. Well let me ask you this, you heartless wench, where will you be when the power goes out? Who will save you when your online sweetheart takes a dive? Don’t look at me. Your fingers have done the walking for the last time. I’ve done my duty and now I’m out of here. There was a time I would have burned my own pages just to warm your hands, but those days are gone. I will no longer allow myself to be used like an old phone book. I have more dignity than that.
Good luck in finding whatever it is you’re searching for out there. You’ll never find another love like mine. Never.
No longer your slave,
Dex
Monday, April 07, 2008
A Little Beauty!
Number three on our list of seven babies to be born within six months, but the first for my good friend Donelle and her husband Dan. May I introduce to you. . . .
Avery Isabelle
April 2nd, 2008
6lbs, 11oz 19.5in
Running With The Devil. . . .
While cleaning out folders on my hard drive today, I ran across a quote I had saved. It comes from the book Jesus and the Lost Goddess by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy. When I opened it today it made me pause and think the way I remember it did the day I found it floating somewhere on the internet. About the abandoment and shame, the hate and torture, the bigotry and war that has come from organized religion throughout history. Each side fighting for moral superiority as if being right somehow ensures a place in the afterlife. Perhaps, as this quote eludes, the joke is on us. . . . .
“Religion is the Devil’s greatest achievement. In the guise of religion he has pulled off his most audacious coup. He has flagrantly masqueraded as God. He has had us bow down and worship him. He has had us commit every type of evil in the name of holiness. He has passed off his bigotry as God’s opinions. He has had us segregate humanity into the ‘ins’ and the ‘outs’, believers and non-believers, the saved and the damned. He has convinced us that God likes us but not them. And convinced them that God likes them but not us. An then, in a stroke of dark brilliance, he warns his faithful flock of sheep: ‘Be sure you do not heed to anyone but me, for the Devil is a wily wolf and he will surely trick you.’ “
“Religion is the Devil’s greatest achievement. In the guise of religion he has pulled off his most audacious coup. He has flagrantly masqueraded as God. He has had us bow down and worship him. He has had us commit every type of evil in the name of holiness. He has passed off his bigotry as God’s opinions. He has had us segregate humanity into the ‘ins’ and the ‘outs’, believers and non-believers, the saved and the damned. He has convinced us that God likes us but not them. And convinced them that God likes them but not us. An then, in a stroke of dark brilliance, he warns his faithful flock of sheep: ‘Be sure you do not heed to anyone but me, for the Devil is a wily wolf and he will surely trick you.’ “
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Why?
New Kids on the Block reuniting
Story Highlights
Boy band New Kids on the Block one of biggest acts of late '80s, early '90s
Boston-based group's hits included "Hangin' Tough"
Group has new material; Donnie Wahlberg "had no interest [in] nostalgia tour"
BOSTON, Massachusetts (AP) -- They may be pushing 40, but the New Kids are returning to the block.
The boy band New Kids on the Block, which sold 70 million albums in the 1980s and early '90s, has reunited and plans to release a new album and go on tour. The reunion comes 20 years after the release of the group's multiplatinum album, "Hangin' Tough."
"The fan response to this has been incredible," band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald.
Wahlberg said he was persuaded to get back together with his former bandmates -- Joey McIntyre, brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood -- when they decided to record new music. Wahlberg said he wrote 80 percent of the new material with McIntyre and Jordan Knight.
"I had no interest going out on a nostalgia tour and singing the same material," said Wahlberg, 38.
But he added: "We absolutely will do the old songs for sure."
Producer Maurice Starr formed the group in Boston in the 1980s, hoping to recreate the success he had with another teen group from Boston, New Edition.
At the height of their popularity, New Kids sold out world tours, marketed millions of dollars in merchandise and spawned a Saturday morning cartoon.
The group disbanded in 1994. Wahlberg has acted on television and in movies, while Jordan Knight, McIntyre and Wood released solo albums. Jonathan Knight became a real estate developer.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Find this article at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/03/people.newkids.ap/index.html
Story Highlights
Boy band New Kids on the Block one of biggest acts of late '80s, early '90s
Boston-based group's hits included "Hangin' Tough"
Group has new material; Donnie Wahlberg "had no interest [in] nostalgia tour"
BOSTON, Massachusetts (AP) -- They may be pushing 40, but the New Kids are returning to the block.
The boy band New Kids on the Block, which sold 70 million albums in the 1980s and early '90s, has reunited and plans to release a new album and go on tour. The reunion comes 20 years after the release of the group's multiplatinum album, "Hangin' Tough."
"The fan response to this has been incredible," band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald.
Wahlberg said he was persuaded to get back together with his former bandmates -- Joey McIntyre, brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood -- when they decided to record new music. Wahlberg said he wrote 80 percent of the new material with McIntyre and Jordan Knight.
"I had no interest going out on a nostalgia tour and singing the same material," said Wahlberg, 38.
But he added: "We absolutely will do the old songs for sure."
Producer Maurice Starr formed the group in Boston in the 1980s, hoping to recreate the success he had with another teen group from Boston, New Edition.
At the height of their popularity, New Kids sold out world tours, marketed millions of dollars in merchandise and spawned a Saturday morning cartoon.
The group disbanded in 1994. Wahlberg has acted on television and in movies, while Jordan Knight, McIntyre and Wood released solo albums. Jonathan Knight became a real estate developer.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Find this article at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/03/people.newkids.ap/index.html
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