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 |  My Blog....Pearls of wisdom and/or foolish mutterings.....You be the judge.... |
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A little of this, a dash of that......epic mood swings.......A LOT of foolish mutterings and occasionally a few words of wisdom. It's a crapshoot. You never know what you'll find in here... |
| For those of you who read my previous blog and want to know what happened to the boy who had a lobotomy at age 12, well, so did I, so I skipped ahead to the back of the book and read that he is married, has children and grandchildren and is a tour bus driver. It seems that his saving grace was the fact that his super-bitch stepmother insisted on him having this procedure when he was 12, which allowed his still-growing brain to compensate to a certain degree for the damage done to his brain. If he had the procedure a few years later, he would have been a vegetable (according to doctors he consulted while researching his book.) More details to follow after I read the whole book..... Stay tuned. |
| I just want to put this out there right up front so everyone will know. This entry will be all over the place. Kind of a smorgasbord entry. That's because I have several things I want to blog about and couldn't decide. Just so you know. I watched a movie last night that was totally bizarre - Running With Scissors. It's based on the memoir of Augusten Burroughs (which of course I had read already, because I'm a memoir junkie.) The movie follows the book pretty well and I thought the casting was superb. In particular, Jill Clayberg and Annette Benning were the perfect choices for the roles they played. I also bought a new memoir the other day (haven't read it yet, too many books going right now, but soon) called My Lobotomy. I ask you - how could you not buy a book with a title like that? Seriously, it was impossible to pass up. According to the synopsis, it's the memoir of a man who had an "icepick lobotomy" when he was twelve years old. His father had apparently remarried and his new stepmother convinced his father that this icepick lobotomy would be a good thing! for the boy. Sounds like a lovely woman, does she not? I have many questions based on the synopsis alone, the first one being: what kind of idiot marries a woman who has it in her to even think of suggesting that a child needs a LOBOTOMY? Holy crap. You can bet I'll be giving you all a book report on this one when I finish reading it. My point in mentioning Augusten Burroughs' Running With Scissors and Howard Dully's My Lobotomy is that no matter how crappy you think your childhood was (and indeed may have been), apparently there is someone out there who had it worse. I mean - a lobotomy, for God's sake! I don't know why this is important, but it is. Maybe just so that it's possible to say, "Well, at least I didn't get lobotomized or given away to my mother's therapist," (as happened to Augusten Burroughs.) I guess, in the final accounting, it's all relative. And yes, I do know that I am rambling. Bear with me. I'll move on to happier things momentarily. Time for a segue... Did I mention that while I was visiting my son in Austin, he and I went to the movies to see Burn After Reading? Good movie, highly critical of the investigative branches of our government (which is probably part of the reason I actually liked the movie), a very different role for Brad Pitt - he was hilarious, and finally, George Clooney - what the heck? He's still heart-stoppingly good looking, but if he turns sideways, he disappears. What's up with that? He is S.K.I.N.N.Y Moving on... we went to the Renaissance Festival on Saturday. It was great, as usual. I took some awesome pictures which I will try to post on here later. Hubby and I each had our annual allotment of $12 a bottle Belgian Peach Beer. It's delicious and we always make our way to that same English Pub near the front of the Festival grounds at some point during the day to treat ourselves. Actually, I think Hubby even went a little crazy this year and had two bottles. It's not that we don't drink (we don't much anymore, but that's not the point), it's the $12 a bottle part that gets to us. That was Saturday. Then on Sunday, we went to the Texans football game. We were invited by friends who got the tickets and the seats were awesome. The roof to the stadium was open because it was damaged by the hurricane and can't be repaired until January (I don't know why.) But the weather was surprisingly un-Houston-like, so it was quite comfortable - not too warm and with a nice breeze. The Texans played the Dolphins. To be quite honest, I haven't had much use for Houston football ever since the "Luv Ya Blue" days when Bum Phillips was unceremoniously booted as head coach of the Oilers. (Yeah, I can hold a grudge.) Sunday's game against the Dolphins was almost enough to make a football fan of me once again. It was incredibly exciting, with a literal last-second win by the Texans with only three - count 'em, 1, 2, 3 - seconds left in the game. Upon reflection though, I still prefer baseball. The game, the fans, Minute Maid Park - everything about it is just a bit more civilized. And that, my friends, is enough rambling for today. (Is that a collective sigh of relief I hear rising from Blogville?) |
| It has now been officially one month since Hurricane Ike. And what a month it has been. It seems the human spirit has amazing resiliency and time does indeed keep marching on. Driving throughout Houston, the damage from Ike is still apparent everywhere. It's hard to imagine how long it will take for all repairs to be made in an area the size of the Houston/Galveston area. I haven't even seen Galveston yet, not sure I'm up to that yet. The closest I've come to seeing coastal damage was in Seabrook, which is on Galveston Bay and that was disturbing enough. Imagining the scope of those repairs completely overwhelmed me. However, as I said earlier, life goes on and we find ways to go right along with it. In the days immediately following the hurricane, I couldn't see past it. All I could envision was getting through the next few hours, particularly in the days before power was restored. Once the power was restored to our home, my view of the future gained a little more distance. I was then able to concentrate on when power would be restored to my children's homes. When that eventually happened, our immediate needs were no longer so "desperate." Life started to hint at a shadow of normalcy. When the grandkids went back to school (after missing 13 school days - that's school days, not calendar days), that was a huge leap toward the return to a normal life. We were officially out of survival mode and life suddenly shifted into high gear once more. That in itself may be the most amazing thing of all - the swift return to our usual fast-paced lifestyle. Although there is certainly a comfort in returning to "life as we know it," there is also a certain sadness tucked away in there as well. Those days after the hurricane, when we had no electricity, no cable television, no internet, no fast-food, very few of the comforts of our "normal" life, those days were calm, quiet and peaceful. We had survived the storm, we knew very little of the destruction wrought by the storm because we couldn't view it on television or on the internet, and we had no place to go since the whole city was without electricity. We had time to pay attention to each other; we talked and joked and planned. We sat outside, the kids played outside and we shared a camaraderie with our neighbors. We were all in this together. It was hot, but it was peaceful. Every concern took a back seat to the basic elements of survival. The only important realities were food, water and shelter. Those days echo back to the days of my childhood, when I spent time on my grandparents' farm. There was a simplicity to each day that made living easy. It didn't matter then how much or how little money one had, what kind of car one drove; children didn't know or care what was on television because playing outdoors from sun-up to sun-down was all we knew. Meals were always cooked fresh and always eaten as a family, sitting down at the table. Conversation was the background noise instead of television. Dishes were washed by hand and dried and put away accompanied by the same background noise of conversation. Bedtime meant reading by flashlight and then being lulled to sleep by the sound of crickets through the open windows. The next morning, no one got up and rushed off anywhere. The day started just the same as the day before, with a hand-cooked breakfast that jump-started that day's simple cadence. We had a taste of the beauty of that simplicity in the days after the hurricane. But were we in such a desperate hurry to restore our rush-rush, hurry-up lives that we missed it? I'm afraid, in most cases, that is exactly what we did. What a shame. |
| For the honor of being named Blogger of the Month in the current issue of The Blogville News, I would like to say a heartfelt "Thank you!" I am honored and humbled, given the calibre of the bloggers who cast those votes. All of you have pushed me to become a better writer, inspired me, challenged me, touched my heart and made me laugh. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. My life is much fuller now that all of you are a part of it. Thank you. |
| I'm sure if any of you were awake in the waning hours of the night yesterday, you probably felt a great commotion in the continuum of Blogville. It was me. Normally I try to at least make a pretense of being humble about most things, but since I have already nearly broken my arm trying to pat myself on the back, humility is out of the question. What, you may ask, is this all about? "This" is all about me - computer geek that I am - doing a couple of fixes on my laptop that not only saved me millions of dollars (okay, that's an exaggeration, but it feels like millions) and a boatload of time and trouble. But wait, here's the most exciting part... are you ready? Drum roll, please... I ventured into No-Man's Land, otherwise known as THE REGISTRY and *gasp!* made some changes *another gasp!* and now, my CD/DVD ROM drive that had ceased to exist according to the error messages I was getting; well, now it is back, just like it was never gone at all. Yes, that's right, I have been to the registry and I have emerged unscathed. More importantly, my laptop has emerged not only unscathed, but in a healthier state. And not only have I been tinkering around in the registry, but, get this.... I updated the BIOS! *gasp again!* But wait, there's more. I was having an incredibly frustrating problem with my laptop arbitrarily going to a blue screen completely without reason or warning, always right in the middle of something really important. And I researched that and fixed it too! I'm so impressed with myself right now that I can hardly stand it. Why, I could hardly sleep last night just thinking about it. Okay, I have to admit the BIOS thing and the blue screen thing were issues that Vista's Problem Reports and Solutions solved, but I followed the instructions exactly and, sure enough, it solved the problems. But, and this is a very important but, the Problems Reports and Solutions program was NO HELP at all with the disappearing CD/DVD ROM drive problem. In fact, that issue is still listed as "being researched - no solution available yet." Just goes to show you that you can find out just about anything on the Internet with but a few simple keystrokes. Yes, that's right, I researched it, found the solution (and THIS is the one that required me going into the much-feared registry, and fixed it! Yay! Hence, the arm-breaking back patting and the trumpets-blaring announcement in my blog. Now that I've solved my laptop issues, I am off to save the world. Watch for me - I may be passing through your city soon. You'll recognize me by my red cape emblazoned with "Laptop Fixer Extraordinaire." |
| I am so torn. I am currently visiting my son, Caleb, in Austin where he's attending college. I drove here on Monday and will be going back home on Wednesday (I guess that's actually today) because Kristen and the new baby will be coming home from the hospital and she'll be needing help with the babies. I have really missed Caleb since he's been in Austin and having this time to spend with him has been great, but way too short. I'm so proud of him, though, because of the way he has settled right in and figured everything out about living alone for the first time and navigating the humongous campus of UT - all of it with no help from anyone. He's so self- assured and confident. But he's still my baby and always will be, so it will be hard for me to drive off tomorrow and leave him here. He's been here since July, so it's not like this is new or anything, but still... Does it get easier? My other three kids all still live close by in the Houston area and I see them all on a daily basis. It's hard not to see Caleb every day. I thought this was a good idea to come out here for a few days to see my son by myself, but now I'm not so sure it was.It went by too fast. I think I will miss him even more now. It's funny how we raise them to be independent souls so they can go out and make successful lives of their own in the world, but then when they do, it just tugs at your heart. Okay, I gotta go now before I really make myself cry. |
| I wish I could take credit for the following beautiful story, but it's not mine. I received it in an email this morning and found it so moving that I had to share it. The story actually served as the prompt for my blog entry entitled "Tears." You'll understand why when you read it. Enjoy. Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year old). Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron , his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.' Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY! |
| This morning I received an email with a message so simple, yet so profound that I found tears welling up in my eyes as I read. I will post it in a later blog, as it is certainly one worth sharing, but first I wanted to comment on something else. As I was searching for a tissue to wipe the tears, I was reminded of my grandfather Bert's tendency to cry at the smallest things. When I was a little girl, he would tear up watching an episode of Make Room for Daddy or Father Knows Best. There were even times when I saw him cry watching a couple dance on The Lawrence Welk Show. My brother and cousins and I would elbow each other in the ribs and giggle quietly among ourselves when we caught sight of our burly 6'2" granddaddy mopping the tears from his face as the credits ran at the end of an episode of Lassie. After Bert passed away, whenever any of the grandkids were together, our reminiscing always included talk of how easily the tears came as he got older. We fondly remembered his "great, big, tender heart" and the way he would try to wipe the tears away without anyone seeing. We never spoke of it, but I know we all assumed that he had always been that way - easily moved to tears. I have a different view now. I know that Bert did always have a tender heart, that much is true. But I realize now that the reasons the tears flowed so easily as he got older was much more profound and not so easily categorized as we assumed. I've noticed that tendency in myself and in others my age and older. Not only am I more easily moved to tears, but I am less apt to feel that I need to hold that emotion inside. I recognize that life is but a brief moment, time moves so quickly and youth--with all its innocence and starry-eyed optimism--is a vanishing vapor that is gone before we learn to fully enjoy it. I have learned that tears serve a purpose other than giving vent to sadness or grief. Tears wash us clean of the skepticism and bitterness that clings to us as we move about our daily lives. Tears are a pure expression of emotion that we are often too proud to allow in the arrogance of youth. I see more clearly now with eyes tempered with a bit of age and wisdom. Having rushed through the first half of my life (as most of us are wont to do), I now recognize the importance of savoring life, of shifting out of over-drive and into cruise. Now I know what Bert knew; that it's not a weakness to cry over the small things, it's a strength. I have learned that I can cry with appreciation for simple truths; I can laugh out loud over the silliest things or I can simply linger for a while to enjoy life's moments. My granddaddy taught me many things in the time I was able to spend with him. He is still teaching me today as I draw those small but critical kernels of truth from my memories of him. Today I cried over a simple story. And I know that is a good thing. |
| Okay you all know that I can only be all mushy and sweet for so long and then I have to bust out with some irreverent humor or sarcasm or something. So here are a couple of funnies to even things out. (Actually, I think they are gut-busters, but I have a sick sense of humor, so forgive me...) Seen on my daughter's MySpace page (I taught all my children to have the same twisted sense of humor that I have)...... Having the love of your life break up with you and tell you, "we can still be friends," is like you dog dying and your mom saying, "you can still keep it." And this one - seen on a t-shirt (that I wish I had bought - why didn't I?) "Don't think of yourself as ugly; Think of yourself as a beautiful monkey!" And in closing, just a couple of my favorite Jack Handy quotes: (Better get ready for these. If you're easily embarrassed or easily offended, DO NOT STARE DIRECTLY AT THE WORDS - and get a sense of humor, too.) "I'd like to see a nude opera, because when they hit those high notes, I bet you can really see it in those genitals." "To me, boxing is just like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography and the dancers hit each other." "In weightlifting, I don't think sudden uncontrolled urination should automatically disqualify you." "If you're a young Mafia gangster out on a first date, I'll bet it's really embarrassing if someone tries to kill you." Th-th-th-th-that's all, folks! |
| As promised, here are some additional pictures of the newest addition to my family - little Isaiah. What a little sweetie. He already has us all wrapped around his tiny little finger. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Look at that face. Don't you just want to kiss those sweet little cheeks?  ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** What do you think? Do I look proud? ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** My Honey with his namesake. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Eli and his new nephew. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** My nephew, Matt with Isaiah ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** My sister-in-law, Charla and Isaiah ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** The new mommy with her beautiful son. Ahhhhh.....life is good.  |
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