As I logged onto my computer this morning, the headline on Drudge was a photo of Mr. Obama with the quote, "Plug the damn hole!"
With excited anticipation, I quickly clicked the link. I was taken to a Reuters article that was long and boring, but I skimmed anyway hoping for that key phrase.
Why? Because I was hoping and praying that "Plug the damn hole" was truly the reaction of our President to the needless, endless debacle in the Gulf Coast. That is EXACTLY the kind of response I am looking for. Anger, frustration, real, and demanding. That is exactly how I think the President of the United States of America handles a crisis. With fortitude. With vigor. With power. And with an occasional curse word.
Buried deep in the article, the phrase finally showed. Obviously, the writer had no idea the significance the quote. But there it was. A phrase that Obama has apparently spoken to aides in recent days...I love it!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Grammar Problems
Similar to borrow/loan, many confuse the use of bring/take.
Both bring and take have numerous meanings.
One can, for example, take medicine, take the Fifth, take a liking to, take it on the chin, take a partner, take in a stray, take up for a friend, take out a date, and take an oath.
One can bring to bear, bring tears to the eyes, bring something up, and challenge someone to bring it on.
The OED entry for take lists 93 numbered definitions. The one for bring has 27 numbered definitions. The definition that concerns us here is Number One:
bring: 1. To cause to come along with oneself; to fetch. It includes ‘lead’ or ‘conduct’ (F. amener) as well as ‘carry’ (F. apporter); it implies motion towards the place where the speaker or auditor is, or is supposed to be, being in sense the causal of come; motion in the opposite direction is expressed by take (Fr. emmener, emporter).
When the words are used to express the conveying of something or someone to or from a given point, the choice between bring and take is clear:
If the person or thing is going away from where you are, use take. If the object or person is coming to where you are, use bring.
Some examples of the correct use of bring and take:
I’m taking this blender back to the store.
I’m taking my girlfriend to the movies.
Please bring your wife to the party.
Don’t forget to bring me that book next time you visit.
Jacquelyn Landis has also written a DWT post on “bring” and “take” for DWT.
Both bring and take have numerous meanings.
One can, for example, take medicine, take the Fifth, take a liking to, take it on the chin, take a partner, take in a stray, take up for a friend, take out a date, and take an oath.
One can bring to bear, bring tears to the eyes, bring something up, and challenge someone to bring it on.
The OED entry for take lists 93 numbered definitions. The one for bring has 27 numbered definitions. The definition that concerns us here is Number One:
bring: 1. To cause to come along with oneself; to fetch. It includes ‘lead’ or ‘conduct’ (F. amener) as well as ‘carry’ (F. apporter); it implies motion towards the place where the speaker or auditor is, or is supposed to be, being in sense the causal of come; motion in the opposite direction is expressed by take (Fr. emmener, emporter).
When the words are used to express the conveying of something or someone to or from a given point, the choice between bring and take is clear:
If the person or thing is going away from where you are, use take. If the object or person is coming to where you are, use bring.
Some examples of the correct use of bring and take:
I’m taking this blender back to the store.
I’m taking my girlfriend to the movies.
Please bring your wife to the party.
Don’t forget to bring me that book next time you visit.
Jacquelyn Landis has also written a DWT post on “bring” and “take” for DWT.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Just Another Sunday
I apologize if I didn't talk to you on Mother's Day. There are a million amazing women in my life that all deserve a flower, a hug, a smile, a phone call and a diamond bracelet for Mother's Day. Unfortunately, I spent most of yesterday trying to avoid the whole dam thing...
Friday I received from Brytin the projects he made at school for Mother's Day. One was a paragraph he wrote that says, "I like my mom because she is pretty and she picks me up at school everyday."
Saturday, I was thinking about how much MORE Mother's Day means to me this year. I was thinking about all the sacrifices mothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, and stand-in mothers make. I was thinking about the drive and dedication it takes to be a good, effective and loving mother (and primary caregiver). I was thinking about every Mother's Day prior when I didn't really understand how important it is to celebrate the women in our lives that have impacted us, that have helped shape us, and that have made sure we had a shoulder to cry on, a friend to laugh with, and a ear to listen.
At bar closing time Saturday night, I had a wonderful moment with my husband. We were dancing, and then he looked down at me and whispered "Happy Mother's Day." I was ecstatic. He remembered! He cared! He appreciates me and all that I have done for him and his son the past year!
Unfortunately, that was the full extent of my Mother's Day celebration. And as I told my husband as he laid down to sleep Sunday night, I don't take care of Brytin for accolades, but accolades every once in a while are a really nice thing. I really had hoped to just hear my husband say, "Thank you."
Friday I received from Brytin the projects he made at school for Mother's Day. One was a paragraph he wrote that says, "I like my mom because she is pretty and she picks me up at school everyday."
Saturday, I was thinking about how much MORE Mother's Day means to me this year. I was thinking about all the sacrifices mothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, and stand-in mothers make. I was thinking about the drive and dedication it takes to be a good, effective and loving mother (and primary caregiver). I was thinking about every Mother's Day prior when I didn't really understand how important it is to celebrate the women in our lives that have impacted us, that have helped shape us, and that have made sure we had a shoulder to cry on, a friend to laugh with, and a ear to listen.
At bar closing time Saturday night, I had a wonderful moment with my husband. We were dancing, and then he looked down at me and whispered "Happy Mother's Day." I was ecstatic. He remembered! He cared! He appreciates me and all that I have done for him and his son the past year!
Unfortunately, that was the full extent of my Mother's Day celebration. And as I told my husband as he laid down to sleep Sunday night, I don't take care of Brytin for accolades, but accolades every once in a while are a really nice thing. I really had hoped to just hear my husband say, "Thank you."
Thursday, April 1, 2010
No Joke
One year ago today, my husband almost died. He was cooking dinner - broiling steaks, boiling rice. He was working the overnight shift, so he was planning to eat dinner with Brytin and me and then go to sleep for a little while before going in to work...
And then he started to feel weird. He said there was a weird feeling in his chest. He tried to lay down, but that it made his chest actually hurt. He said it felt constricted, and he could only take shallow breaths.
He tried to walk it off, but then said, "I think I need to go to the hospital."
Chris, Brytin and I piled in the Escape. I used the navigation on my phone to find the nearest hospital. I did my best to reassure Brytin that his daddy was going to be fine. I did my best to encourage Chris that he really would be fine. I flew through red lights. I drove way too fast around corners until we finally arrived at the hospital over by Grossmont mall.
Unfortunately, at that time, Grossmont was doing some sort of construction and it took a really long time to find the emergency room. It was a very stressful situation. We didn't know what was going on, I couldn't cry because Brytin was with me, and Chris couldn't breathe.
It was the worst April Fool's Day of my life.
Obviously, my husband survived :D His left lung had spontaneously collapsed. Apparently, tall skinny guys are susceptible to spontaneous lung collapse. Their chest cavities are too small for their lungs and the air pressure gets off kilter and it collapses. Nothing he did caused it. There is nothing he can do to prevent it. Having it happen once doesn't necessarily mean it will happen again, but it might.
I write about this today, because it's heavy on my mind. My husband is once again working overnights this week. He's been taking the truck instead of his motorcycle, so if something were to happen, I wouldn't have a vehicle to do anything...
I know that worrying won't solve any problem, but I adore my husband so much...losing him would be the worst thing that could ever possibly happen to me.
I'm sure he'll be fine, and we'll laugh about this next week, but tonight, when he leaves for work at 11 pm, I will definitely say an extra prayer. And then I will spend the night playing Farmville to calm my nerves :)
And then he started to feel weird. He said there was a weird feeling in his chest. He tried to lay down, but that it made his chest actually hurt. He said it felt constricted, and he could only take shallow breaths.
He tried to walk it off, but then said, "I think I need to go to the hospital."
Chris, Brytin and I piled in the Escape. I used the navigation on my phone to find the nearest hospital. I did my best to reassure Brytin that his daddy was going to be fine. I did my best to encourage Chris that he really would be fine. I flew through red lights. I drove way too fast around corners until we finally arrived at the hospital over by Grossmont mall.
Unfortunately, at that time, Grossmont was doing some sort of construction and it took a really long time to find the emergency room. It was a very stressful situation. We didn't know what was going on, I couldn't cry because Brytin was with me, and Chris couldn't breathe.
It was the worst April Fool's Day of my life.
Obviously, my husband survived :D His left lung had spontaneously collapsed. Apparently, tall skinny guys are susceptible to spontaneous lung collapse. Their chest cavities are too small for their lungs and the air pressure gets off kilter and it collapses. Nothing he did caused it. There is nothing he can do to prevent it. Having it happen once doesn't necessarily mean it will happen again, but it might.
I write about this today, because it's heavy on my mind. My husband is once again working overnights this week. He's been taking the truck instead of his motorcycle, so if something were to happen, I wouldn't have a vehicle to do anything...
I know that worrying won't solve any problem, but I adore my husband so much...losing him would be the worst thing that could ever possibly happen to me.
I'm sure he'll be fine, and we'll laugh about this next week, but tonight, when he leaves for work at 11 pm, I will definitely say an extra prayer. And then I will spend the night playing Farmville to calm my nerves :)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Communication With the Dead?
I haven't thought much about communication with the afterlife, honestly. But I had something happen to me last night that really makes me wonder.
My husband is working overnights this week,so I have been staying up far too late into the wee hours playing Farmville, writing, reading, watching television,etc.
Last night, around 3 am or so, I was farming and I was trying to finish up my notes on John 4. I think I kept falling asleep at the computer, though. Farmville has been running very slow this week, so it isn't too far-fetched to think I might doze off while waiting for something to load.
At some point, I realized I was sleeping and went and laid down on the couch. (I don't sleep in my bed without my husband.)
So this morning, around 8ish, my husband wakes me and we chit-chat until he falls asleep. I go sit at the computer to enjoy a cup of coffee and play some Farmville. I look at my notebook to see where I left off with John 4, and the last thing written is:
"Rudy didn't get a chance to say goodbye and he holds a lot of animosity for that."
What the???
So I reread some of the other notes on the page to see if they are all weird, and nope, they are legitimate notes from my study of John 4.
In case you didn't know, there is no mention of a "Rudy" in the Bible; especially not in John 4.
I actually know a gentleman named Rudy who has passed on, and we DIDN'T get to say good-bye. Would he really have animosity? I don't think so, but 80+ year-old men are funny like that...
It seems to me that I received a message in my sleeping stupor and wrote it down.
A few more things to note:
1. I do not at all remember writing this note.
2.The writing is in my exact penmanship - not sloppy from being written by a sleeping person.
3. I was watching the Cosby show around 1:30 am, and Rudy was the focus of the episode, so maybe it was just some weird combination of sleep, Bible study, and the Cosby show?
Like I said, I haven't thought much about communication with the dead, so any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated.
My husband is working overnights this week,so I have been staying up far too late into the wee hours playing Farmville, writing, reading, watching television,etc.
Last night, around 3 am or so, I was farming and I was trying to finish up my notes on John 4. I think I kept falling asleep at the computer, though. Farmville has been running very slow this week, so it isn't too far-fetched to think I might doze off while waiting for something to load.
At some point, I realized I was sleeping and went and laid down on the couch. (I don't sleep in my bed without my husband.)
So this morning, around 8ish, my husband wakes me and we chit-chat until he falls asleep. I go sit at the computer to enjoy a cup of coffee and play some Farmville. I look at my notebook to see where I left off with John 4, and the last thing written is:
"Rudy didn't get a chance to say goodbye and he holds a lot of animosity for that."
What the???
So I reread some of the other notes on the page to see if they are all weird, and nope, they are legitimate notes from my study of John 4.
In case you didn't know, there is no mention of a "Rudy" in the Bible; especially not in John 4.
I actually know a gentleman named Rudy who has passed on, and we DIDN'T get to say good-bye. Would he really have animosity? I don't think so, but 80+ year-old men are funny like that...
It seems to me that I received a message in my sleeping stupor and wrote it down.
A few more things to note:
1. I do not at all remember writing this note.
2.The writing is in my exact penmanship - not sloppy from being written by a sleeping person.
3. I was watching the Cosby show around 1:30 am, and Rudy was the focus of the episode, so maybe it was just some weird combination of sleep, Bible study, and the Cosby show?
Like I said, I haven't thought much about communication with the dead, so any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Bible Truly is an Amazing Book
Thanks to an old friend, I recently started studying the book of John again (see Broussard's Bible Blog). Part of that study, requires me to go through some very old notebooks that I wrote notes in while studying. I received a HUGE blessing this weekend as I read an old entry...
12-19-2002
For so many years, I refused Your Masterhood, but now I rejoice in it. I couldn't deal with Your perfection, but now Your perfection brings me pure joy. Your love is unconditional, Your judgment is justice and your salvation is free. "Your judgment is justice," though it may seem crazy, that is my favorite part about You. You will not plea bargain. I know that the verdict in my case is the only thing in this world that is fair, unbiased. I can hold onto that with my dear life! I can take that to the bank! I can bet my bottom dollar! Lord, I know most people do not get so excited over judgment, but I just feel like your fairness is something I can depend on in a world that is truly unfair.
I've been told many times throughout my decade as a Christian that the Bible is a "magical" book that always applies to my life. Even if I reread the same passage, on two different days, the passage will somehow apply.
The above excerpt was written over seven years ago. I actually remember the circumstances surrounding that particular joy I was feeling that day.
And yet, today, seven years later, the same principle applies, but in an entirely different manner. I can once again rejoice in God's fair judgment. I can once again take solace in the perfection of God, and chose to allow HIM to provide due punishment. I can wash my hands of the worry and fret and stress that I have suffered the last year for another's crime and bank on God having the final say. PTL for His great and mighty blessings.
12-19-2002
For so many years, I refused Your Masterhood, but now I rejoice in it. I couldn't deal with Your perfection, but now Your perfection brings me pure joy. Your love is unconditional, Your judgment is justice and your salvation is free. "Your judgment is justice," though it may seem crazy, that is my favorite part about You. You will not plea bargain. I know that the verdict in my case is the only thing in this world that is fair, unbiased. I can hold onto that with my dear life! I can take that to the bank! I can bet my bottom dollar! Lord, I know most people do not get so excited over judgment, but I just feel like your fairness is something I can depend on in a world that is truly unfair.
I've been told many times throughout my decade as a Christian that the Bible is a "magical" book that always applies to my life. Even if I reread the same passage, on two different days, the passage will somehow apply.
The above excerpt was written over seven years ago. I actually remember the circumstances surrounding that particular joy I was feeling that day.
And yet, today, seven years later, the same principle applies, but in an entirely different manner. I can once again rejoice in God's fair judgment. I can once again take solace in the perfection of God, and chose to allow HIM to provide due punishment. I can wash my hands of the worry and fret and stress that I have suffered the last year for another's crime and bank on God having the final say. PTL for His great and mighty blessings.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Farmville, Anyone?
I took a break from blogging (obviously). I’ve missed it greatly; writing is very therapeutic, enlightening and gratifying for me. I had to take a break, though, because the issues I have had in 2010 are not my own to write about…It’s one thing for me to air my dirty laundry all over the World Wide Web, but it would be disrespectful for me to publish my feelings regarding other people’s issues…
January was tough for Chris and me. Just a cyclic relationship-growing period, I think. Nothing was wrong, but nothing was right. I think that the high of December created an equal but opposite low January. Thankfully, we pulled out of the funk.
February was tough for me. There were a lot of “anniversaries” of negative things in February that just made the month a difficult one for me. With the help of my caring mother, my wise friends, my awesome husband and my oh-so-amazing therapist, I came out of that silly little month with an excellent attitude, and March came in like a sweet innocent fluffy little lamb.
Of course, as it always does, March has reared its ugly lion head and once again life is stressful. Anyone who is friends with me on Facebook has seen that over the past couple months I have become EXCESSIVELY addicted to a fun game called Farmville. Do you know why I play that game non-stop? I have a few theories.
Theory #1:
Because the trying circumstances that surround me are uncontrollable by me, my “fixing” energy is spent making one hell of an amazing farm.
Theory #2:
No matter how I approach the trying circumstances that surround me, I am often painted as the “bad guy.” However, in Farmville, I am a VERY successful, multi-million dollar farmer. Therefore, living in this alternate reality allows me to feel successful even though some may see me as a total waste of space.
Theory #3:
Because I am such an awesome individual – giving, caring, selfless, intelligent, compassionate, etc etc etc, I subconsciously feel entitled to do whatever in the hell I want. My family still eats, my stepson still makes it to school, my friends still know I love them, and the kindergarten class at Loma Elementary still get all their worksheets, so who cares if I spend hours every day farming a make-believe land of 10,000 chickens?
Theory #4:
I am still that pathetic poser I was in high school that longs to be liked and so when I felt pressured by my friend to play, I caved.
So, you ask, what is the point of these theories? Will I stop playing once I figure out WHY I play? Probably not. But it does help me understand why every time I feel even slightly stressed I start thinking about what seeds I want to plant next.
January was tough for Chris and me. Just a cyclic relationship-growing period, I think. Nothing was wrong, but nothing was right. I think that the high of December created an equal but opposite low January. Thankfully, we pulled out of the funk.
February was tough for me. There were a lot of “anniversaries” of negative things in February that just made the month a difficult one for me. With the help of my caring mother, my wise friends, my awesome husband and my oh-so-amazing therapist, I came out of that silly little month with an excellent attitude, and March came in like a sweet innocent fluffy little lamb.
Of course, as it always does, March has reared its ugly lion head and once again life is stressful. Anyone who is friends with me on Facebook has seen that over the past couple months I have become EXCESSIVELY addicted to a fun game called Farmville. Do you know why I play that game non-stop? I have a few theories.
Theory #1:
Because the trying circumstances that surround me are uncontrollable by me, my “fixing” energy is spent making one hell of an amazing farm.
Theory #2:
No matter how I approach the trying circumstances that surround me, I am often painted as the “bad guy.” However, in Farmville, I am a VERY successful, multi-million dollar farmer. Therefore, living in this alternate reality allows me to feel successful even though some may see me as a total waste of space.
Theory #3:
Because I am such an awesome individual – giving, caring, selfless, intelligent, compassionate, etc etc etc, I subconsciously feel entitled to do whatever in the hell I want. My family still eats, my stepson still makes it to school, my friends still know I love them, and the kindergarten class at Loma Elementary still get all their worksheets, so who cares if I spend hours every day farming a make-believe land of 10,000 chickens?
Theory #4:
I am still that pathetic poser I was in high school that longs to be liked and so when I felt pressured by my friend to play, I caved.
So, you ask, what is the point of these theories? Will I stop playing once I figure out WHY I play? Probably not. But it does help me understand why every time I feel even slightly stressed I start thinking about what seeds I want to plant next.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Just Real Quick
I would like to point out that a Republican victory in the Massachuesetts Senate race does NOT mean that the country has suddenly decided that Republicans have the superior ideals.
What it does mean is that there is definitely restlessness in the people of America. There is a desire to make change, mixed with a general feeling like the changes being made are not necessarily in the best interest of the people.
Now is NOT the time for Republicans to gloat. Now IS the time for Republicans to listen.
Read what electee Scott Brown had to say.
What it does mean is that there is definitely restlessness in the people of America. There is a desire to make change, mixed with a general feeling like the changes being made are not necessarily in the best interest of the people.
Now is NOT the time for Republicans to gloat. Now IS the time for Republicans to listen.
Read what electee Scott Brown had to say.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Obama Wants More Money For War
Though the title of the attached article states that Obama wants $708 billion for war, that is not true. The $708 billion is the entire department of defense budget.
The budget for the department of defense for 2010 is approximately $533 billion. This figure covers salaries, training, and health care of uniformed and civilian personnel, maintains arms, equipment and facilities, funds operations, and develops and buys new equipment. The budget funds all branches of the U.S. military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
In addition to the defense budget, the "overseas contingency operations" budget for 2010 was about $146 billion.
And now, Obama is asking for an additional $33 billion for the wars.
Not to be all condescending, but I thought liberals wanted to pull chocks on the Middle East?
I am NOT implying that I think spending money on a war is futile. I'd MUCH rather spend money on war than national healthcare, government bailouts and whatever other asinine things Obama spent my taxes on in 2009.
I do, however, have concerns about the continuously increasing government spending. My understanding is that our spending is solely funded by our taxes. In personal finances, if your spending exceeds your income, you need to increase your income or decrease your spending. The US Govt is obviously not decreasing their spending, so apparently they are going to need to raise our taxes.
In addition to my thoughts on increased spending, I am confused by Obama's choice to increase spending on the wars. Again, I am not saying the money isn't needed, I am just trying to understand how he expects to improve his approval rating by continuing to make choices that the majority of Americans do not agree with.
Considering that the Democratic Majority is on the line right now with the late Ted Kennedy's seat, you would think that Obama would be trying to please Americans rather than continue in his "I'm the Messiah and I'll do as I damn please" mentality...
I'm sorry if you, my loving devoted reader, are confused as to why I am debating the spending of money on war when I actually agree with spending on war. I apologize if I am not able to clearly articulate my thoughts. I saw the headline this morning and immediately thought, "Huh. That's weird. I thought Obama was supposed to end the war."
The budget for the department of defense for 2010 is approximately $533 billion. This figure covers salaries, training, and health care of uniformed and civilian personnel, maintains arms, equipment and facilities, funds operations, and develops and buys new equipment. The budget funds all branches of the U.S. military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
In addition to the defense budget, the "overseas contingency operations" budget for 2010 was about $146 billion.
And now, Obama is asking for an additional $33 billion for the wars.
Not to be all condescending, but I thought liberals wanted to pull chocks on the Middle East?
I am NOT implying that I think spending money on a war is futile. I'd MUCH rather spend money on war than national healthcare, government bailouts and whatever other asinine things Obama spent my taxes on in 2009.
I do, however, have concerns about the continuously increasing government spending. My understanding is that our spending is solely funded by our taxes. In personal finances, if your spending exceeds your income, you need to increase your income or decrease your spending. The US Govt is obviously not decreasing their spending, so apparently they are going to need to raise our taxes.
In addition to my thoughts on increased spending, I am confused by Obama's choice to increase spending on the wars. Again, I am not saying the money isn't needed, I am just trying to understand how he expects to improve his approval rating by continuing to make choices that the majority of Americans do not agree with.
Considering that the Democratic Majority is on the line right now with the late Ted Kennedy's seat, you would think that Obama would be trying to please Americans rather than continue in his "I'm the Messiah and I'll do as I damn please" mentality...
I'm sorry if you, my loving devoted reader, are confused as to why I am debating the spending of money on war when I actually agree with spending on war. I apologize if I am not able to clearly articulate my thoughts. I saw the headline this morning and immediately thought, "Huh. That's weird. I thought Obama was supposed to end the war."
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Relationship Triangle
I learned recently about a small little thing called the "Relationship Triangle."
Apparently, the three key elements to a relationship are:
Hope
Faith
Trust
Hope is having the energy to do things when I do not have trust or faith.
Faith being a mental decision to believe.
Trust is a goal, an outcome. Trust is the absence of conscious thought – I do not have to think about it. Trust is NOT something I can MAKE happen. (I.E. I trust that the sun will rise every single day in the East.)
Without these three elements that support each other (when one is weak, the others are strong), a relationship cannot be healthy, it cannot survive and it definitely will not be fun.
Apparently, the three key elements to a relationship are:
Hope
Faith
Trust
Hope is having the energy to do things when I do not have trust or faith.
Faith being a mental decision to believe.
Trust is a goal, an outcome. Trust is the absence of conscious thought – I do not have to think about it. Trust is NOT something I can MAKE happen. (I.E. I trust that the sun will rise every single day in the East.)
Without these three elements that support each other (when one is weak, the others are strong), a relationship cannot be healthy, it cannot survive and it definitely will not be fun.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Year's Eve
I've always had a love-hate relationship with New Year's Eve. Yes, it is a time to celebrate, a time to gather with loved ones and reminisce, a time to set goals for the next year and dream about tomorrows...But it's never been all that in my life.
First of all, New Year's Eve always seemed like the perfect opportunity for my inner demon to point out all my failures of the past year. I would spend the whole week between Christmas and New Year's lamenting all the things I did NOT accomplish.
Second of all, New Year's Eve was my ex-husband's birthday, so for seven years, I was actually not allowed to even really celebrate New Year's. He had such a ridiculous complex about "sharing" his birthday with a holiday, that any mention of it at any point prior to midnight was met with a temper tantrum.
Third of all, since I have been with Chris, we have always had Brytin on New Year's Eve. Not necessarily because we wanted to share the holiday with him, but because we wanted him to be safe...
So here it is, the end of 2009. I'm fighting the urge to consider all the things that went wrong this year. Truthfully, looking back on it, 2009 was a remarkable year, but there were some horrible moments.
As my witty friend Susan said, "thanks to you--2009!--for all of the beautiful lessons, infinite blessings and sweet surprises you brought to me. (By the way: you can also suck it for the crappy parts, 2009...I mean really.)"
In Feb 2009, Brytin came to live with us.
In March we bought our motorcycles.
In May, I lost my job and became a full-time parent.
In August, Brytin started Kinder, and we lost Emma.
In November, I turned 31, we had our first overnighter, and we celebrated 2 years of marriage. I made my first ever Thanksgiving dinner and we hosted a super fun party.
This month, Brytin turned 5, my mom almost died, and Chris got used to working in Supply again (under a new Chief).
In 2009, Brytin started learning how to read, Chris fell in love with me, and I started getting healthy. I'd say, 2009 was a rebuilding year. A successful one.
And tonight? Well, tonight, my husband is taking me out :) Brytin will be at his mother's. Chris and I will be going to dinner and then on a yacht cruise on the San Diego Bay.
We will also be with his group of friends - James, Ko, Fox, Fox's bro and Eli. Only one missing is Martin :( This group of guys have been around the entire year. They are a good group, a fun group, and a safe group. I am glad my husband met them, glad he chose them as his friends, glad we will be ringing in 2010 with them.
2010 shows hope for being amazing. The first week, we have two events scheduled that are pretty big and will shape the whole year.
Another gem from Susan:
I am the New Year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.
I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life in the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didn't find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search for it again and with more determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn't achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.
All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do; all that you hoped but did not will; all the faith you claimed but did not have~ these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakend by the touch of a strong purpose.
It is never too late to be the person you always dreamed you would be.
Happy New Year to you! Be safe, be merry and be loved!
First of all, New Year's Eve always seemed like the perfect opportunity for my inner demon to point out all my failures of the past year. I would spend the whole week between Christmas and New Year's lamenting all the things I did NOT accomplish.
Second of all, New Year's Eve was my ex-husband's birthday, so for seven years, I was actually not allowed to even really celebrate New Year's. He had such a ridiculous complex about "sharing" his birthday with a holiday, that any mention of it at any point prior to midnight was met with a temper tantrum.
Third of all, since I have been with Chris, we have always had Brytin on New Year's Eve. Not necessarily because we wanted to share the holiday with him, but because we wanted him to be safe...
So here it is, the end of 2009. I'm fighting the urge to consider all the things that went wrong this year. Truthfully, looking back on it, 2009 was a remarkable year, but there were some horrible moments.
As my witty friend Susan said, "thanks to you--2009!--for all of the beautiful lessons, infinite blessings and sweet surprises you brought to me. (By the way: you can also suck it for the crappy parts, 2009...I mean really.)"
In Feb 2009, Brytin came to live with us.
In March we bought our motorcycles.
In May, I lost my job and became a full-time parent.
In August, Brytin started Kinder, and we lost Emma.
In November, I turned 31, we had our first overnighter, and we celebrated 2 years of marriage. I made my first ever Thanksgiving dinner and we hosted a super fun party.
This month, Brytin turned 5, my mom almost died, and Chris got used to working in Supply again (under a new Chief).
In 2009, Brytin started learning how to read, Chris fell in love with me, and I started getting healthy. I'd say, 2009 was a rebuilding year. A successful one.
And tonight? Well, tonight, my husband is taking me out :) Brytin will be at his mother's. Chris and I will be going to dinner and then on a yacht cruise on the San Diego Bay.
We will also be with his group of friends - James, Ko, Fox, Fox's bro and Eli. Only one missing is Martin :( This group of guys have been around the entire year. They are a good group, a fun group, and a safe group. I am glad my husband met them, glad he chose them as his friends, glad we will be ringing in 2010 with them.
2010 shows hope for being amazing. The first week, we have two events scheduled that are pretty big and will shape the whole year.
Another gem from Susan:
I am the New Year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.
I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life in the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didn't find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search for it again and with more determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn't achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.
All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do; all that you hoped but did not will; all the faith you claimed but did not have~ these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakend by the touch of a strong purpose.
It is never too late to be the person you always dreamed you would be.
Happy New Year to you! Be safe, be merry and be loved!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunset
I am not a great photographer (especially while driving), but there was a really cool sunset in San Diego yesterday that I tried taking pictures of. After the pictures I took, the whole sky turned red, the mountains blushed pink and I smiled big. I love the beauty of sunsets (much more than sunrise).
Monday, December 28, 2009
In the Past
Passed is the past tense form of the verb to pass:
to pass: transitive verb meaning “to go beyond a point or place”
The principal parts are pass, passed, (have) passed, passing
Examples: I pass my evenings alone. Please pass the potatoes.
I am passing my days in the garden. I am passing all my courses in college.
The truck passed the house. His uncle passed away. I have passed my driving test. Charlie has passed out the papers. The cat had passed beyond the fence before we noticed she was out.
The word past can be used as more than one part of speech, but never as a verb.
past: noun meaning “that which has happened in past time.”
Ex. That’s all in the past. It’s usually preceded by the word “the.”
past: adjective meaning “gone by in time; elapsed.”
Ex. I haven’t seen him for the past month.
past: adverb meaning “beyond.” Usually the point of reference is supplied by the context.
Ex. I cowered as the bullets whizzed past.
past: preposition meaning “beyond.” It differs from an adverb because it is followed by an object.
Ex. The bullet whizzed past my head.
Two more handy tips:
The only verb that belongs in front of passed is some form of have:The days have passed quickly.
He had passed his exams before his father lost his job.
The horse has passed the finish line.
If the verb is is, don’t use passed:
For, lo, the winter is past.
Daily Writing Tips
to pass: transitive verb meaning “to go beyond a point or place”
The principal parts are pass, passed, (have) passed, passing
Examples: I pass my evenings alone. Please pass the potatoes.
I am passing my days in the garden. I am passing all my courses in college.
The truck passed the house. His uncle passed away. I have passed my driving test. Charlie has passed out the papers. The cat had passed beyond the fence before we noticed she was out.
The word past can be used as more than one part of speech, but never as a verb.
past: noun meaning “that which has happened in past time.”
Ex. That’s all in the past. It’s usually preceded by the word “the.”
past: adjective meaning “gone by in time; elapsed.”
Ex. I haven’t seen him for the past month.
past: adverb meaning “beyond.” Usually the point of reference is supplied by the context.
Ex. I cowered as the bullets whizzed past.
past: preposition meaning “beyond.” It differs from an adverb because it is followed by an object.
Ex. The bullet whizzed past my head.
Two more handy tips:
The only verb that belongs in front of passed is some form of have:The days have passed quickly.
He had passed his exams before his father lost his job.
The horse has passed the finish line.
If the verb is is, don’t use passed:
For, lo, the winter is past.
Daily Writing Tips
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Ramblings of My Love
I appreciate that you will eat anything I cook - no matter how dry, how bland or how awful.
I get weak in the knees every time I see you with a shaved head.
Seeing how much you love your motorcycle inspires me to ride mine more.
YOU ARE F'ING AWESOME!
I love it that no one can give you a massage as good as me.
You are a living example of Jesus; you show me every day how to be graceful, merciful, patient, kind, fair and forgiving.
Thank you for introducing me to Ruth Mayer.
I appreciate your candor regarding your childhood.
I am sorry Johnny Redcorn got in between us and the Grand Canyon ;)
There is nothing in this world sexier than you on your motorcycle.
I am so glad we mostly enjoy the same TV shows.
I love you for letting me play Sudoku every day.
I cherish our home.
I think it's cute that you HATE David Beckham ;)
I love the smell of cocoa butter in the morning.
I live for our conversations.
I will always remember the day I met your son.
I love it that you buy me Betty Boop stuff. (Just PLEASE don't over do it!)
Your robe is the most comfortable piece of clothing in our house.
There is joy in knowing that my parents adore you.
I will never forget when you ran with me.
I love meeting your needs before you express them - even better if I can do it before you even realize it's a need.
I am glad you showed me around Duarte.
I will always remember our first night (and morning) together.
I am so thankful for Joey's loyalty to you.
Your lips are soft.
I LOVE (and miss) long car rides with you.
I love it that I can see in your eyes when you are smiling - even if your mouth is in a straight line.
I will always remember San Francisco.
Thank you for making me a cup of coffee so many mornings!
It is my joy and my honor to be so greatly entrusted with your only heir.
I feel safe whenever you are close enough to touch me.
I adore you, Christopher David Broussard. Thank you for making Christmas 2009 so magical.
1/1/10 I will ALWAYS remember that you RAN to kiss me at midnight!!!!!
I get weak in the knees every time I see you with a shaved head.
Seeing how much you love your motorcycle inspires me to ride mine more.
YOU ARE F'ING AWESOME!
I love it that no one can give you a massage as good as me.
You are a living example of Jesus; you show me every day how to be graceful, merciful, patient, kind, fair and forgiving.
Thank you for introducing me to Ruth Mayer.
I appreciate your candor regarding your childhood.
I am sorry Johnny Redcorn got in between us and the Grand Canyon ;)
There is nothing in this world sexier than you on your motorcycle.
I am so glad we mostly enjoy the same TV shows.
I love you for letting me play Sudoku every day.
I cherish our home.
I think it's cute that you HATE David Beckham ;)
I love the smell of cocoa butter in the morning.
I live for our conversations.
I will always remember the day I met your son.
I love it that you buy me Betty Boop stuff. (Just PLEASE don't over do it!)
Your robe is the most comfortable piece of clothing in our house.
There is joy in knowing that my parents adore you.
I will never forget when you ran with me.
I love meeting your needs before you express them - even better if I can do it before you even realize it's a need.
I am glad you showed me around Duarte.
I will always remember our first night (and morning) together.
I am so thankful for Joey's loyalty to you.
Your lips are soft.
I LOVE (and miss) long car rides with you.
I love it that I can see in your eyes when you are smiling - even if your mouth is in a straight line.
I will always remember San Francisco.
Thank you for making me a cup of coffee so many mornings!
It is my joy and my honor to be so greatly entrusted with your only heir.
I feel safe whenever you are close enough to touch me.
I adore you, Christopher David Broussard. Thank you for making Christmas 2009 so magical.
1/1/10 I will ALWAYS remember that you RAN to kiss me at midnight!!!!!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
My Favoritest Christmas
I always remember people saying Christmas is different with kids. I never had a chance to test that theory until this year, and let me tell you, it is the truest story I have ever heard. This Christmas season has been magical, wonderful, fun and priceless.
Since Brytin is older, and he is in Kindergarten this year, he has learned all the traditional Christmas carols, he is interested in the Christmas stories, and he LOVES doing anything that has anything to do with Christmas. We’ve colored pictures, we’ve made ornaments, we’ve decorated the inside and outside of the house, we made a foam house (instead of a gingerbread house), we have looked at other houses that are decorated…it’s been a month I will always remember.
Making it even more special is that my husband has actually been involved also. He even sent me flowers! We got a real tree. We decorated it with lights, bulb ornaments and all the special ornaments from my childhood that I have. I bought Chris and Brytin a special ornament, I bought Brytin a nutcracker ornament, too. And then Chris went out and bought me a set of Betty Boop ornaments.
We also put up a 4 foot artificial tree in Brytin’s room and decorated it. We hung garland and twinkle lights outside. And I also bought mistletoe that has added an extra special element to the holiday season – Brytin will randomly go underneath it and then yell to me, “Leslie! I’m under the mistletoe!” And I will run from wherever I am at in the house to give him a kiss. My little BooBoo is so darn awesome!
Tonight we are going to make chocolate chip cookies for Santa and we’re also going to make a gingerbread cookie Christmas tree. Tomorrow morning Brytin will (hopefully) find some gifts from Santa and a stocking full of surprises. We’ve also kept all his presents from us hidden, so he will be pleasantly surprised to see just how many presents there are for him.
Tomorrow night, Brytin will be with his mother, celebrating Christmas all over again. He is definitely a blessed little boy!
Tomorrow night, Chris and I will be hosting dinner for some of his co-workers that are not traveling this Christmas to be with their families. We’ll be enjoying a glazed ham, mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes, glazed carrots, deviled eggs and brownies. It should be a very nice evening.
Then Saturday, we will be having a gathering for our friends. I managed to convince everyone to bring a regift/gag gift/cheap gift for a white elephant dice game. I’ll be serving ham sandwiches, au gratin potatoes, any leftovers from Friday, and Velveeta cheese dip.
The last decade or so of Christmases haven’t really been anything spectacular. This Christmas, however, with my mother home and almost healthy, my husband and stepson happy, and my house all decorated, I can’t help but understand what Christmas is all about.
Since Brytin is older, and he is in Kindergarten this year, he has learned all the traditional Christmas carols, he is interested in the Christmas stories, and he LOVES doing anything that has anything to do with Christmas. We’ve colored pictures, we’ve made ornaments, we’ve decorated the inside and outside of the house, we made a foam house (instead of a gingerbread house), we have looked at other houses that are decorated…it’s been a month I will always remember.
Making it even more special is that my husband has actually been involved also. He even sent me flowers! We got a real tree. We decorated it with lights, bulb ornaments and all the special ornaments from my childhood that I have. I bought Chris and Brytin a special ornament, I bought Brytin a nutcracker ornament, too. And then Chris went out and bought me a set of Betty Boop ornaments.
We also put up a 4 foot artificial tree in Brytin’s room and decorated it. We hung garland and twinkle lights outside. And I also bought mistletoe that has added an extra special element to the holiday season – Brytin will randomly go underneath it and then yell to me, “Leslie! I’m under the mistletoe!” And I will run from wherever I am at in the house to give him a kiss. My little BooBoo is so darn awesome!
Tonight we are going to make chocolate chip cookies for Santa and we’re also going to make a gingerbread cookie Christmas tree. Tomorrow morning Brytin will (hopefully) find some gifts from Santa and a stocking full of surprises. We’ve also kept all his presents from us hidden, so he will be pleasantly surprised to see just how many presents there are for him.
Tomorrow night, Brytin will be with his mother, celebrating Christmas all over again. He is definitely a blessed little boy!
Tomorrow night, Chris and I will be hosting dinner for some of his co-workers that are not traveling this Christmas to be with their families. We’ll be enjoying a glazed ham, mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes, glazed carrots, deviled eggs and brownies. It should be a very nice evening.
Then Saturday, we will be having a gathering for our friends. I managed to convince everyone to bring a regift/gag gift/cheap gift for a white elephant dice game. I’ll be serving ham sandwiches, au gratin potatoes, any leftovers from Friday, and Velveeta cheese dip.
The last decade or so of Christmases haven’t really been anything spectacular. This Christmas, however, with my mother home and almost healthy, my husband and stepson happy, and my house all decorated, I can’t help but understand what Christmas is all about.
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