All Alison Krauss/Union Station. Don't know why they tend to have lyrics that fit my life so well. Maybe I should try to cover some of them, make them less bluegrass...
(edited later to correct lyrics, and also to add the disclaimer that genders in some lyrics were changed to make them fit the person I had in mind while posting them...)
Act 1:
"Crazy As Me"
I'm used to being alone.
Except for six month playings without rings and phone bills that outweigh the phone.
This is the life that I chose.
I got no complaints if she is or she ain't--
if she's not, I guess she'll send me a rose.
Just don't ask me for the truth if you choose to love me.
And don't try to open my door with your skeleton key.
Some folks seem to think I only got one problem.
I can't find nobody as crazy as me.
I still love what I know.
I love to ride alone and sing a song and listen to the radio.
You can ride along and if you change your mind, well, that's just fine,
But there is somethin' that you got to know.
Just don't ask me for the truth if you choose to love me.
And don't try to open my door with your skeleton key.
Some folks seem to think I only got one problem.
I can't find nobody as crazy as me.
-=0=-
Act 2:
"Borderline"
So you're on your own lookin' down the road that goes only by one name
And you don't need the signs to see lonely still runs both ways
So who's the fool who would think the ties would be better off undone
Did your heart even warn you when you veered from the path that was narrower and straight
On the borderline
Somewhere between the flight for freedom
Feeling like you can't move on
The chore will be the time
To take you off of my mind and out of my heart I know
And when you cross over there's no turning back
Once that burning bridge is gone
I may lose but I'm in it for the long run
Loving you for good reason could be the wrong one
I don't wanna lose control but the heart won't learn
To leave well enough alone
On the borderline
Somewhere between the flight for freedom
Feeling like you can't move on
The chore will be the time
To take you off of my mind and out of my heart I know
And when you cross over there's no turning back
Once that burning bridge is gone
So you're on your own lookin' down the road that goes only by one name
-=0=-
"One Good Reason"
Just give me one good reason tonight
Must be something you could say to me
To keep me warm on this cold dark night
Can you bring out the best in me?
That old moon in shining brightly
Up above the midnight plains
I only want your love to guide me
Back through the night and take us home again
Can I bring out the best in you as well?
Must be some way you could let me know
While we wait out the sun, only time will tell
Will you love me or let me go?
That old moon in shining brightly
Up above the midnight plains
I only want your love to guide me
Back through the night and take us home again
So now my friend with this gentle plea
Can you tell me what is on your mind?
There’s just one good reason, that’s all I need:
to chase the sorrow from your eyes
That old moon in shining brightly
Up above the midnight plains
I only want your love to guide me
Back through the night and take us home again
-=0=-
Act 3:
"Daylight"
Daylight falls and I'm lost in the big parade.
Hold my hand, darling, I'm afraid of the daylight.
Shade is dark.
Cool and languid for life or love.
Safe in shadows; never stark as the daylight.
As the daylight.
When I was just knee high,
My poppa told me, never try,
To be someone that I am not.
Yet over time I had forgot,
The wandering child, so lost at play:
He's found himself but he can't find his way,
In the daylight.
Oh, the daylight.
Life is short, and there's no turning back the time.
Fragrant meadows and rocks to climb in the daylight.
In my mind,
There's a corner I need to turn.
Lessons lived is a lesson learned in the daylight.
In the daylight.
I miss the forest shade,
You took me there, the promise I made,
To never leave the dark so deep.
Safe and soothing, yet I fear,
As I recall and now reflect,
I see it's safer to connect,
To the daylight.
Oh, the daylight.
Daylight falls and I'm lost in the big parade.
Hold my hand, darling, I'm afraid of the daylight.
Of the day...Daylight
-=0=-
Epilogue:
"When You Say Nothing At All"
It’s amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don’t say a thing
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There’s a truth in your eyes sayin’ you’ll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all
All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Old mr. webster could never define
What’s being said between your heart and mine
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There’s a truth in your eyes sayin’ you’ll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all
-=0=-
I may lose but I'm in it for the long run...
Friday, May 27, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
I like these!
Found at http://www.anvari.org/shortjoke/Funny3/1399.html - and I've added editorial comments throughout. :)
(And if you think you might note a slightly cynical note to some of the comments, you might be right. Seems appropriate at the moment. :P)
WOMEN'S 50 RULES FOR MEN
1. Call.
2. Don't lie. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! etc., ad nauseum, triple underline and put in 72 point type!)
3. Never tape any of her body parts together.
4. If guys' night out is going to be fun, invite the girls.
5. If guys' night out is going to involve strippers, remember the zoo rules: No Petting.
6. The correct answer to "Do I look fat?" is never, ever "Yes."
7. Ditto for "Is she prettier than me?"
8. Victoria's Secret is good. Frederick's of Hollywood is bad. (Editor's note: I'm not convinced of this :))
9. Ordering for her is good. Telling her what she wants is bad.
10. Being attentive is good. Stalking is bad.
11. "Honey", "Darling", and "Sweetheart" are good. "Nag", "Lardass", and "Bitch" are bad.
12. Talking is good. Shouting is bad. Slapping is a felony.
13. A grunt is seldom an acceptable answer to any question.
14. None of your ex-girlfriends were ever nicer, prettier, or better in bed .
15. Her cooking is excellent.
16. That isn't an excuse for you to avoid cooking.
17. Dish soap is your friend.
18. Hat does not equal shower, after shave does not equal soap, and warm does not equal clean.
19. Buying her dinner does not equal foreplay.
20. Answering "Who was that on the phone?" with "Nobody" is never going to end that conversation. (Let's hear an "Amen Sister"!!!)
21. Ditto for "Whose lipstick is this?" (Ed. - or whose CDs *wry look*)
22. Two words: clean socks.
23. Believe it or not, you're probably not more attractive when you're drunk.
24. Burping is not sexy.
25. You're wrong.
26. You're sorry. (Ed. - Correlary to 26 - If you do it over and over again, you weren't really sorry!)
27. She is probably less impressed by your discourse on your cool car than you think she is. (Ed. - Actually, if he's really enthusiastic about it, I'll listen to discourse on almost anything. Most things are interesting when discussed with enthusiasm and passion.)
28. Ditto for your discourse on football. (Ed. - See above)
29. Ditto for your ability to jump up and hit any awning in a single bound. (Ed. - See above)
30. "Will you marry me?" is good. "Let's shack up together" is bad. (Ed: I wouldn't say this necessarily. Not every woman wants to get married.)
31. Don't assume PMS is the cause for every bad mood.
32. Don't assume PMS doesn't exist.
33. No means No. Yes means Yes. Silence could mean anything she feels like at that particular moment in time, and it could change without notice. (Ed. - I think this particular "silence" quality in women is as unappealing and disrespectful as lying is in men. Either communicate or don't, but don't play guessing games.)
34. "But, we kiss..." is not justification for using her toothbrush. You don't clean plaque with your tongue.
35. Never let her walk anywhere alone after 11 pm.
36. Chivalry and feminism are NOT mutually exclusive. (And how!)
37. Pick her up at the airport. Don't whine about it, just do it.
38. If you want to break up with her, break up with her. Don't act like a complete jerk until she does it for you. (Ed. - If I didn't find it so obnoxious, I'd put this one in the "blink" HTML tag, I would!)
39. Don't tell her you love her if you don't.
40. Tell her you love her if you do. Often.
41. Always, always suck up to her brother. (Ed. - Irrelevant to me - no siblings. :))
42. Think boxers. (Ed. - I just don't care, so long as I like what's underneath them. :) :) :))
43. Silk boxers. (Ed. - Now silk has its points...)
44. Remember Valentine's Day, and any cheesy "anniversary" she so-names. (Ed. - Except for those of us who just don't care. But even then, surprise rememberances are fun...)
45. Don't try to change the way she dresses.
46. Her haircut is never bad.
47. Don't let your friends pick on her.
48. Call.
49. Don't lie.
50. The rules are never fair. Accept this without question. The fact that she has to go through labor while you sit in the waiting room on your a$$ smoking cigars isn't fair either, and it balances everything. (Ed. - I actually think these rules are fair, but I'm willing to hear debate from the gentlemen who read this...)
(And if you think you might note a slightly cynical note to some of the comments, you might be right. Seems appropriate at the moment. :P)
WOMEN'S 50 RULES FOR MEN
1. Call.
2. Don't lie. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! etc., ad nauseum, triple underline and put in 72 point type!)
3. Never tape any of her body parts together.
4. If guys' night out is going to be fun, invite the girls.
5. If guys' night out is going to involve strippers, remember the zoo rules: No Petting.
6. The correct answer to "Do I look fat?" is never, ever "Yes."
7. Ditto for "Is she prettier than me?"
8. Victoria's Secret is good. Frederick's of Hollywood is bad. (Editor's note: I'm not convinced of this :))
9. Ordering for her is good. Telling her what she wants is bad.
10. Being attentive is good. Stalking is bad.
11. "Honey", "Darling", and "Sweetheart" are good. "Nag", "Lardass", and "Bitch" are bad.
12. Talking is good. Shouting is bad. Slapping is a felony.
13. A grunt is seldom an acceptable answer to any question.
14. None of your ex-girlfriends were ever nicer, prettier, or better in bed .
15. Her cooking is excellent.
16. That isn't an excuse for you to avoid cooking.
17. Dish soap is your friend.
18. Hat does not equal shower, after shave does not equal soap, and warm does not equal clean.
19. Buying her dinner does not equal foreplay.
20. Answering "Who was that on the phone?" with "Nobody" is never going to end that conversation. (Let's hear an "Amen Sister"!!!)
21. Ditto for "Whose lipstick is this?" (Ed. - or whose CDs *wry look*
22. Two words: clean socks.
23. Believe it or not, you're probably not more attractive when you're drunk.
24. Burping is not sexy.
25. You're wrong.
26. You're sorry. (Ed. - Correlary to 26 - If you do it over and over again, you weren't really sorry!)
27. She is probably less impressed by your discourse on your cool car than you think she is. (Ed. - Actually, if he's really enthusiastic about it, I'll listen to discourse on almost anything. Most things are interesting when discussed with enthusiasm and passion.)
28. Ditto for your discourse on football. (Ed. - See above)
29. Ditto for your ability to jump up and hit any awning in a single bound. (Ed. - See above)
30. "Will you marry me?" is good. "Let's shack up together" is bad. (Ed: I wouldn't say this necessarily. Not every woman wants to get married.)
31. Don't assume PMS is the cause for every bad mood.
32. Don't assume PMS doesn't exist.
33. No means No. Yes means Yes. Silence could mean anything she feels like at that particular moment in time, and it could change without notice. (Ed. - I think this particular "silence" quality in women is as unappealing and disrespectful as lying is in men. Either communicate or don't, but don't play guessing games.)
34. "But, we kiss..." is not justification for using her toothbrush. You don't clean plaque with your tongue.
35. Never let her walk anywhere alone after 11 pm.
36. Chivalry and feminism are NOT mutually exclusive. (And how!)
37. Pick her up at the airport. Don't whine about it, just do it.
38. If you want to break up with her, break up with her. Don't act like a complete jerk until she does it for you. (Ed. - If I didn't find it so obnoxious, I'd put this one in the "blink" HTML tag, I would!)
39. Don't tell her you love her if you don't.
40. Tell her you love her if you do. Often.
41. Always, always suck up to her brother. (Ed. - Irrelevant to me - no siblings. :))
42. Think boxers. (Ed. - I just don't care, so long as I like what's underneath them. :) :) :))
43. Silk boxers. (Ed. - Now silk has its points...)
44. Remember Valentine's Day, and any cheesy "anniversary" she so-names. (Ed. - Except for those of us who just don't care. But even then, surprise rememberances are fun...)
45. Don't try to change the way she dresses.
46. Her haircut is never bad.
47. Don't let your friends pick on her.
48. Call.
49. Don't lie.
50. The rules are never fair. Accept this without question. The fact that she has to go through labor while you sit in the waiting room on your a$$ smoking cigars isn't fair either, and it balances everything. (Ed. - I actually think these rules are fair, but I'm willing to hear debate from the gentlemen who read this...)
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
A slight reprieve, but only slight...
Edited to add links at the end...
Kickoff isn't until next Tuesday now. We're doing one session Thursday, but it's just the IT session, not one of the big manufacturing operations sessions.
What sessions? Well (not that any of you care, but since I'm likely to talk about it a lot in passing, I might as well try the explanation one time) my role at work is *takes deep breath* Local Security Steward and OCM Support (Organizational Change Management) for the IndyDry GBIP Release 12 Local Implementation Team at Eli Lilly and Company. *gasps for breath* The Officer and Gentleman ("OAG" from now on - I needed a blog nickname for him :) ) says he doesn't understand how I don't pass out when I record my greeting on my voice mail. :)
In words of less syllables, I do organization and security design and maintenance for our SAP implementation. Ok, that's not a -lot- less syllables, but I don't know how else to describe it.
*tries again* I gather the information that lets us figure out who needs what security, put together the security sets, and assign them to everyone. Along the way, I help people make new org charts since there are a lot of changes to who does what. Is that better? :)
Anyway... two of our major milestones are coming up, and they're two that I own. One is Future State Org Design (FSOD, not to be confused with FOAD). In FSOD sessions, we get people together and say, "Look at the jobs you have now. What tasks do they do? Now look at the future tasks and jobs. Are the same people doing them? Are there tasks that go away? Are there tasks that get added? Do you need more people, or less, or just to shift people around?"
Doing this for an organization of about 750 people is a Big Freakin' Job. And I run all the sessions. I mean, I have people there who can answer questions I can't (of which there are legion), both on the business side and on the SAP developer side, but in the middle is me to facilitate, compile the information we put together, and make sure we get all the data we need. 'Cause if we don't, we're likely to have people who don't have the right access in the system after implementation. And guess whose fault that would be? You got it.
I had a weird moment the other day, too. I was working on scheduling the sessions and our administrative assistant suggested I delegate my calendar to her so she could schedule things. This boggled my mind. I'm thinking, waitaminnit--it wasn't that many years ago that I *was* a secretary! I don't delegate calendars to other people. I'm used to -being- the admin, not -having- an admin! It was an odd feeling, to say the least.
Anyway, these are the sessions I'm scrambling to put together - make sure we have the right people invited, make sure all parts of the organization are covered, get things on people's calendars in time for them to actually show up, create presentations of "what we have now" and "what we're going to have" for about 15 BIG processes, hope the application engineers who really know what they're talking about show up... :)
Aiieeeee. Just... aiieee.
Don't get me wrong - I'm getting a big charge out of the job. I -think- I still like writing procedures more. But I like -owning- part of the implementation, and playing a bigger role, and getting to go over so much of the new processes with people.
I could, however, live without the deadlines.
More later, if I don't expire of sheer frantic busy-ness...
Links for the curious:
- Organizational Change Management info
- Organizational Design info
- What is SAP? Well, SAP is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software. See this Google list for a bunch of definitions of ERP.
- SAP Security Design info (hey, watch me find things useful for me when I google this for my blog!)
I'd reverse these two...
Your Dominant Thinking Style: |
| Modifying Super logical and rational, you consider every fact available to you. You don't make rash decisions and are rarely moved by emotion. You prefer what's known and proven - to the new and untested. You tend to ground those around you and add stability. |
Your Secondary Thinking Style: |
| Visioning You are very insightful and tend to make decisions based on your insights. You focus on how things should be - even if you haven't worked out the details. An idealist, thinking of the future helps you guide your path. You tend to give others long-term direction and momentum. |
Monday, May 23, 2005
A 16th Century Rock Band?
I'm back to working a whole buncha hours right now, as my big project is coming up... three weeks earlier than we originally had in the project plan! So I'm scrambling to get things ready for two-and-a-half weeks of sessions in less than half the original planning time. Needless to say, I'm back to working days, nights, and weekends. Still, I took time to take the kids to St. Roch's carnival Friday night and go see Hitchhiker's Guide on Saturday with the gentleman friend and two of his friends, who I enjoyed meeting. (Hitchhiker was OK, not 'knock your socks off', but OK. I did think they got the surreal 'feel' of the book right. Fortunately, it's been long enough since I read the book that I couldn't tell you how closely it followed the plot. As if the book had a linear plot, anyway!) Sunday during the day, I worked several hours at home in an unusually and gloriously empty house (the kids' dad kindly took them away for a bit). And Sunday evening, the gentleman friend drove all the way downtown to take me and my laptop to the Abbey and buy me dinner, for the dubious pleasure of my company while my nose was in my laptop and my head in Microsoft Access (Access should be MUCH easier than it is, darnit!). So I spent another couple hours working there while he prepped for the class he's teaching today. Now that's what I call kindness.
While at the Abbey, my friend got the guy behind the counter talking (as he is wont to do--the man's never met a stranger!) and found out he has a record label, and is now trying to convince me to work on writing music more and doing open mics places like there. I do not think any of my music is anywhere near ready for public performance. For one thing, I don't actually play an instrument, I just put things together on computer, so the only part I could do "live" would be vocals unless I could find some other instrumentalist. And I just don't think I have enough songs, and those that I have I don't think are good enough for performance. I'm not normally known as being terribly shy or modest, so I -think- I'm being legitimately critical. OTOH, I can think of someone I know who writes who never thinks his work is good enough when I'm quite certain it is, so perhaps I'm having a similar issue. It's just not one I associate with myself, so I'm not sure. Perhaps I'll post a song or two (which is really all I have recorded) and see what people think. But not until after my project kickoff Wednesday! Aieeeee! (<--sound of distress)
Meanwhile, also while at the Abbey, we got given a flier for a group playing there Friday night, and if I can swing childcare I think we'll go. The group is called Il Troubadore and bills itself as "Indy's 16th Century Rock Band." This sounds like fun! And by Friday, I'm sure I'll need some fun...
While at the Abbey, my friend got the guy behind the counter talking (as he is wont to do--the man's never met a stranger!) and found out he has a record label, and is now trying to convince me to work on writing music more and doing open mics places like there. I do not think any of my music is anywhere near ready for public performance. For one thing, I don't actually play an instrument, I just put things together on computer, so the only part I could do "live" would be vocals unless I could find some other instrumentalist. And I just don't think I have enough songs, and those that I have I don't think are good enough for performance. I'm not normally known as being terribly shy or modest, so I -think- I'm being legitimately critical. OTOH, I can think of someone I know who writes who never thinks his work is good enough when I'm quite certain it is, so perhaps I'm having a similar issue. It's just not one I associate with myself, so I'm not sure. Perhaps I'll post a song or two (which is really all I have recorded) and see what people think. But not until after my project kickoff Wednesday! Aieeeee! (<--sound of distress)
Meanwhile, also while at the Abbey, we got given a flier for a group playing there Friday night, and if I can swing childcare I think we'll go. The group is called Il Troubadore and bills itself as "Indy's 16th Century Rock Band." This sounds like fun! And by Friday, I'm sure I'll need some fun...
Friday, May 20, 2005
Go with the flow!
You Have A Type B+ Personality |
B+ You're a pro at going with the flow You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer A total joy to be around, people crave your stability. While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity. Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done You're passionate - just selective about your passions |
Monday, May 16, 2005
Emotional safety, huh?
Somehow, this is a subject on my mind right now. :P
The brightener
You scored as 62% safe! You also scored 52% humble.
The brightener
You scored as 62% safe! You also scored 52% humble.
You're a tactful person and tend to brighten the days of those who know you. You go out of your way to help people and not hurt them, although from time to time you do make a stand for truth and for yourself, even at the expense of others. However, you do this rarely enough that people should usually feel their emotions are safe with you.
My test tracked 2 variables: How you compared to other people, and your age and gender:
You scored higher than 57% on safeness
You scored higher than 84% on humility
Link: The Emotional Safety Test written by kp0041 on OkCupid Free Online Dating
Sometimes it takes local government...
A coalition of US Mayors --bipartisan, no less! --is choosing to voluntarily follow Kyoto, even when Shrub our national government has chosen not to. Another argument for decentralized government! And for people who don't have their head in the sand (around their oil well, no doubt...) .
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Oh, and this one too
Moody Blues night
Within Your Eyes
Within your eyes so many good hellos and sad goodbyes,
Your future shines, the past reclines
Yet still you seek to find
A place to run, you can't hide yourself behind the sun,
Your wings will burn, you'll never learn
That life must carry on.
For you could be the dancing breeze
That moves the trees to shed their leaves around you,
Or you could be the light in me
That shows the way my life could be around you.
When you feel low you try so hard but still you let it show,
Such foolish pride, you're hurt inside,
I know, so why pretend?
When love goes wrong you're left to sing a very empty song,
Your love was blind, but that's no crime;
True love is hard to find.
But you could be the dancing breeze
That moves the trees to shed their leaves around you,
Or you could be the light in me
That shows the way my life could be around you.
Within Your Eyes
Within your eyes so many good hellos and sad goodbyes,
Your future shines, the past reclines
Yet still you seek to find
A place to run, you can't hide yourself behind the sun,
Your wings will burn, you'll never learn
That life must carry on.
For you could be the dancing breeze
That moves the trees to shed their leaves around you,
Or you could be the light in me
That shows the way my life could be around you.
When you feel low you try so hard but still you let it show,
Such foolish pride, you're hurt inside,
I know, so why pretend?
When love goes wrong you're left to sing a very empty song,
Your love was blind, but that's no crime;
True love is hard to find.
But you could be the dancing breeze
That moves the trees to shed their leaves around you,
Or you could be the light in me
That shows the way my life could be around you.
Today's lyrics
The Moody Blues
I Dreamed Last Night
Oh I dreamed last night I was hearing
Hearing your voice,
And the things you said well they left me
Left me no choice,
And you told me we had the power,
And you told me this was the hour,
But you don't know how,
If I could show you now.
Well I dreamed last night you were calling
Calling my name,
You were locked inside of your secrets
Calling my name,
And you told me lost was the key,
And you told me how you long to be free,
But that you don't know how,
Oh let me show you now.
Like a bird on a far distant mountain,
Like a ship on an uncharted sea,
You are lost in the arms that have found you,
Don't be afraid,
Love's plans are made,
Oh don't be afraid.
If there's a time and a place to begin love,
It must be now, let it go, set it free.
Oh I dreamed last night I was hearing
Hearing your voice,
Why did you say those things that have left me
Left me no choice?
When you told me we had the power,
Why did you tell me now was the hour?
But you don't know how,
Oh, let me show you now.
Like a bird on a far distant mountain,
Like a ship on an uncharted sea,
You are lost in the arms that have found you,
Don't be afraid,
Love's plans are made,
Oh don't be afraid.
If there's a time and a place to begin love,
It must be now, let it go, set it free.
Oh I dreamed last night I was hearing
Hearing your voice.
I Dreamed Last Night
Oh I dreamed last night I was hearing
Hearing your voice,
And the things you said well they left me
Left me no choice,
And you told me we had the power,
And you told me this was the hour,
But you don't know how,
If I could show you now.
Well I dreamed last night you were calling
Calling my name,
You were locked inside of your secrets
Calling my name,
And you told me lost was the key,
And you told me how you long to be free,
But that you don't know how,
Oh let me show you now.
Like a bird on a far distant mountain,
Like a ship on an uncharted sea,
You are lost in the arms that have found you,
Don't be afraid,
Love's plans are made,
Oh don't be afraid.
If there's a time and a place to begin love,
It must be now, let it go, set it free.
Oh I dreamed last night I was hearing
Hearing your voice,
Why did you say those things that have left me
Left me no choice?
When you told me we had the power,
Why did you tell me now was the hour?
But you don't know how,
Oh, let me show you now.
Like a bird on a far distant mountain,
Like a ship on an uncharted sea,
You are lost in the arms that have found you,
Don't be afraid,
Love's plans are made,
Oh don't be afraid.
If there's a time and a place to begin love,
It must be now, let it go, set it free.
Oh I dreamed last night I was hearing
Hearing your voice.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Stealing memes with wild abandon...
Thanks to Confessions for these...
And if we weren't all certain that I straddle the middle line without shame, here's proof. Mind you, I will note that there were several questions I wanted a third option for...
41% Republican. | "Congratulations, you're a swing voter. When they say 'Soccer Mom', they mean you. Every Democratic ad on the TV set was made just for your viewing enjoyment. Don't you feel special?" |
And if we weren't all certain that I straddle the middle line without shame, here's proof. Mind you, I will note that there were several questions I wanted a third option for...
Your Political Profile |
Overall: 55% Conservative, 45% Liberal |
Social Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal |
Personal Responsibility: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal |
Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal |
Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal |
Defense and Crime: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal |
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Mourning Carnivale
Well, crap.
Carnivale has been cancelled.
I'll post more later, but for now I'll just mourn the story whose ending I will never know...
Carnivale has been cancelled.
I'll post more later, but for now I'll just mourn the story whose ending I will never know...
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Something serious, something silly
When I read something and it moves me so far that I am sitting crying at the keyboard, I think probably I should share it.
This man's blog may be one of the most honest and moving things I've ever read.
Now, those of you who know me know that there's no way I could be called Christian in any orthodox sense of the word (and probably not in most unorthodox senses either). I do feel like I'm living my life well if I can honor Christ's "summary of the law:" "Love God with your whole heart and soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." But I've utterly rejected the "Christian sub-culture" that RLP describes in the post linked above. And I can't imagine myself leaving the UUs. (Unless of course I started my own church, as I am wont to do. But it'd only be because the UUs are so very Apollonian and sometimes I need more ritual, and sometimes more down-and-dirty emotion, than what you find in most UU churches.)
But I do still wonder... obviously what moves this guy is the need to share compassion, healing, and hope. All pretty darned admirable qualities. All things that I consider my core values (even when I am less-than-perfect at embodying them most of the time). Yet to me, those are the core values of any religion. What is different about each religion is the "trappings," the practices and rituals and dogma and theology (or lack thereof) surrounding those core values. And it seems that he's rejected the "trappings" of Christianity. So why does he still feel the need to work within Christianity? Why is it not possible to share compassion, healing, and hope without worrying about what religious label is on it? For that matter, why put any religious label on it? Why is that not just part of being a good human? (I guess the reason I'm a UU is that I automatically ask questions like this. Have all my life. Hopeless, that's me. :) Yet I feel the existence of Something Else too, which is why I'm not strictly a humanist. I accept that I am a paradox sometimes.)
That said, I honor this guy's honesty in telling his story. Having gone through my own "dark night of the soul" a few years ago (which I ought to write about sometime, about feeling like we were all just "meat robots" driven to produce more "meat robots" and that everything else about self-actualization was meaningless... not a fun experience, but necessary to go through) I know how hard it can be. I honor that he shared his own experience; that's even more difficult than the experience itself, sometimes.
(And incidentally, I got a personal "answer to prayer" out of his discussion of that, about "love is not something you feel, but something you do." I would add that the correlary is that saying the word "love" isn't as important as *doing* the word "love." I needed to hear that right now; it answered a personal concern. Don't you love it when the universe gives you things like that?)
And if more Christians were like this guy, I think there would be a lot more Christians. I'm not saying I'd be one of them, mind you. But I think --regardless of the label-- that the Entheos I honor and the God this guy worships despite his doubts, if they're not one and the same, they surely are drinking buddies.
-=-=-=-=-=-
Oh, the silly? Spamalot got 14 Tony nominations! Yay Monte Python! Yay Tim Curry!
This man's blog may be one of the most honest and moving things I've ever read.
Now, those of you who know me know that there's no way I could be called Christian in any orthodox sense of the word (and probably not in most unorthodox senses either). I do feel like I'm living my life well if I can honor Christ's "summary of the law:" "Love God with your whole heart and soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." But I've utterly rejected the "Christian sub-culture" that RLP describes in the post linked above. And I can't imagine myself leaving the UUs. (Unless of course I started my own church, as I am wont to do. But it'd only be because the UUs are so very Apollonian and sometimes I need more ritual, and sometimes more down-and-dirty emotion, than what you find in most UU churches.)
But I do still wonder... obviously what moves this guy is the need to share compassion, healing, and hope. All pretty darned admirable qualities. All things that I consider my core values (even when I am less-than-perfect at embodying them most of the time). Yet to me, those are the core values of any religion. What is different about each religion is the "trappings," the practices and rituals and dogma and theology (or lack thereof) surrounding those core values. And it seems that he's rejected the "trappings" of Christianity. So why does he still feel the need to work within Christianity? Why is it not possible to share compassion, healing, and hope without worrying about what religious label is on it? For that matter, why put any religious label on it? Why is that not just part of being a good human? (I guess the reason I'm a UU is that I automatically ask questions like this. Have all my life. Hopeless, that's me. :) Yet I feel the existence of Something Else too, which is why I'm not strictly a humanist. I accept that I am a paradox sometimes.)
That said, I honor this guy's honesty in telling his story. Having gone through my own "dark night of the soul" a few years ago (which I ought to write about sometime, about feeling like we were all just "meat robots" driven to produce more "meat robots" and that everything else about self-actualization was meaningless... not a fun experience, but necessary to go through) I know how hard it can be. I honor that he shared his own experience; that's even more difficult than the experience itself, sometimes.
(And incidentally, I got a personal "answer to prayer" out of his discussion of that, about "love is not something you feel, but something you do." I would add that the correlary is that saying the word "love" isn't as important as *doing* the word "love." I needed to hear that right now; it answered a personal concern. Don't you love it when the universe gives you things like that?)
And if more Christians were like this guy, I think there would be a lot more Christians. I'm not saying I'd be one of them, mind you. But I think --regardless of the label-- that the Entheos I honor and the God this guy worships despite his doubts, if they're not one and the same, they surely are drinking buddies.
-=-=-=-=-=-
Oh, the silly? Spamalot got 14 Tony nominations! Yay Monte Python! Yay Tim Curry!
Friday, May 06, 2005
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Children With Nature-Deficit Disorder
Interestingly, my "gentleman friend"* and I were discussing this recently and he made almost this exact point, including the assertion that there is a heck of a lot that the Scouts could do for modern children. And the comments in the blog where I found the article indicate that it matches what parents are seeing. Certainly one of the worst punishments I can give my kids is to take away "screen time" -- more of a threat to the boy, but a significant threat to either of them.
That said, when they can find other kids in the neighborhood (which often is a challenge), my two do like to go outside and play. And this article also makes me feel less guilty about letting them - I mean, I do kinda live in "da hood" and there are times when Da Boy takes off for several hours with friends without my being completely certain of every place he is and every thing he's doing. I do always know which of two or three houses he's going to be playing in or around (all pretty much right next to one another), and if I needed him I could always wander that way and bellow - I've done it before when he's missed a check-in time.
I guess my only question would be, is fear of abduction a "bogeyman syndrome" as the author asserts? My daughter is 9 and noticeably attractive (and I'd accuse myself of being an over-doting parent if all her life, total strangers hadn't walked up to me in public places and said, "Your daughter is so beautiful!" And that she looked like the Pepsi Girl, which she got thorougly sick of being called. :) In fact, a friend who is a photographer has a picture of her in his portfolio and says he gets more compliments on this photo than on all his others combined. Okay, now I'm bragging; someone tell me to shut up. :) ). Is a concern with her safety being overprotective? I have come to the recent conclusion that I am a seriously overprotective parent, an uncomfortable but unmistakeable conclusion after reading a couple of really useful books. And I don't know where the line is between being reasonably concerned for their safety, and being over-protective.
But I do know they're going to camp this summer, and they're certainly outside ALL the time with Little League (with both of them playing, I feel like I have no life anymore that's not at the ballpark, for pete's sakes!), so they ARE getting some nature time. I guess I can feel less guilty than I did before.
(Note, of course, that I'm discussing the lack of nature time and preponderance of computer/video game time WHERE?... :) Remember, God is an iron...)
(Ooh, the "God Is An Iron" short story is on line! For anyone who has not read this, or for that matter hasn't read Spider Robinson, I strongly encourage it.)
----------
That said, when they can find other kids in the neighborhood (which often is a challenge), my two do like to go outside and play. And this article also makes me feel less guilty about letting them - I mean, I do kinda live in "da hood" and there are times when Da Boy takes off for several hours with friends without my being completely certain of every place he is and every thing he's doing. I do always know which of two or three houses he's going to be playing in or around (all pretty much right next to one another), and if I needed him I could always wander that way and bellow - I've done it before when he's missed a check-in time.
I guess my only question would be, is fear of abduction a "bogeyman syndrome" as the author asserts? My daughter is 9 and noticeably attractive (and I'd accuse myself of being an over-doting parent if all her life, total strangers hadn't walked up to me in public places and said, "Your daughter is so beautiful!" And that she looked like the Pepsi Girl, which she got thorougly sick of being called. :) In fact, a friend who is a photographer has a picture of her in his portfolio and says he gets more compliments on this photo than on all his others combined. Okay, now I'm bragging; someone tell me to shut up. :) ). Is a concern with her safety being overprotective? I have come to the recent conclusion that I am a seriously overprotective parent, an uncomfortable but unmistakeable conclusion after reading a couple of really useful books. And I don't know where the line is between being reasonably concerned for their safety, and being over-protective.
But I do know they're going to camp this summer, and they're certainly outside ALL the time with Little League (with both of them playing, I feel like I have no life anymore that's not at the ballpark, for pete's sakes!), so they ARE getting some nature time. I guess I can feel less guilty than I did before.
(Note, of course, that I'm discussing the lack of nature time and preponderance of computer/video game time WHERE?... :) Remember, God is an iron...)
(Ooh, the "God Is An Iron" short story is on line! For anyone who has not read this, or for that matter hasn't read Spider Robinson, I strongly encourage it.)
----------
* As an aside, what is the accepted term for someone that you're dating when you're my age? "Boyfriend" sounds juvenile; "guy I'm dating" is kinda clunky; "friend" accords him no more importance than any other male friend, which doesn't seem quite right as I've got rather a lot of male friends; "significant other" is stodgy; "partner" implies a relationship level beyond "dating"...
Apparently, from what I've found in a quick Google search, I'm not the only one who wonders this. And after reading this, I think I may need to re-think my "friend" comment above. I mean, what happens in private is, by definition, private, and doesn't need to be advertised in the term you use for someone, right? Let's face it, using a term other than "friend" is arguably an attempt to either show off that you are dating --something I'll admit to being guilty of as darnit, I think the guy's amazing :) --or a way to show "ownership," to "mark your territory," which is something I believe is a serious flaw in the way our society views relationships.Still, using "friend" for both someone I'm dating and someone I'm not might make people think I have the same type of relationship with both of them, which is obviously not accurate.
I'll have to think about this and come back to it later...
Thanks to Confessions for fixing the link to this. :)
You Are 35% Left Brained, 65% Right Brained |
The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports. |
Monday, May 02, 2005
Yeehaw, Jihad!
This is darned funny.
(BTW, my Unitarian Jihad name is "Sister Katana of Warm Humanitarianism". :) )
On a more serious note, here's a link to a conversation I'm having on the Coffee Hour UU Blog site about what UU-ism is, and about personal truth and challenge. It's so hard to find accurate words for these concepts...
(BTW, my Unitarian Jihad name is "Sister Katana of Warm Humanitarianism". :) )
On a more serious note, here's a link to a conversation I'm having on the Coffee Hour UU Blog site about what UU-ism is, and about personal truth and challenge. It's so hard to find accurate words for these concepts...
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